An adult learning intervention to effect transformation towards a

learning organisation:

A critical discussion Presented by

Patricia Southwood

Background

Masikhulisane, SAAVI Community Involvement Programme Transformation agenda

to become a sustainable, learning organisating to ensure an informed and educated South African society with

active community involvement in AIDS vaccine research One learning intervention to ensure this:

1.5 -3 day biannual workshop with representatives from community advisory groups

To facilitate knowledge exchange, capacity development Adult participatory approach

Medical Research Council of South Africa

South AfricanAIDS Vaccine Initiative

(SAAVI)

A lead programme of the MRC

Theoretical framework and research methods

Peter Senge’s concept (1990, The Fifth Discipline) of the learning organisation Systems thinking Personal mastery Mental models Building shared vision Team learning

Critiques of the learning organisation Participant observation Document analysis

Conclusions, recommendations, limitations

A strength of the initiative is that is was conceived as a shared vision, though CAGs should be involved earlier

Knowledge exchange –sharing of mental models Another strength is the participatory process that makes

room for individual & team learning (a social process). Learning as a means to an end and an end in itself

Further sharing of learning – how can CAGs ensure this Unequal power relations & people with own agendas. Time issues need to be addressed. Need capacity development at provincial level.