LINKS programme
LINKS (Learning through International Networking and Knowledge Sharing) are activities that give people the chance to go to another country to learn and share good practice by visiting or working with organisations there. LINKS activities are aimed at VSO International partners, although staff and volunteers may take part in them as well.
The LINKS approach is based on the idea that learning among peers is a powerful way of helping people to look at their work in a new way.
LINKS activities currently include:
Study tours
Study tours involve groups from VSO partner organisations, visiting organisations in another country to learn more about a particular issue. During a tour (one to two weeks) the groups meet different organisations, see work in practice and have the chance to ask questions, observe and share ideas.
Study tours provide an insight into different ways of working, which leads to change and innovation in participants’ knowledge, attitudes and practice when they return to their home country.
Work placements
Work placements provide an opportunity for individuals from VSO partners to understand the work of an organisation in their field in more depth by spending longer (usually up to three months) on a work placement with that organisation. As the exposure is longer, participants are expected to understand and engage with organisations on a deeper level. This will help them learn and build new skills and understanding of systems, structures and processes. They are expected to find ways to apply these, or elements at least, on their return home. Participants also bring skills that they can share with their placement organisations.
Most of the placements supported by LINKS have been externally funded through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s Professional Fellowships Programme, which seeks to enhance the skills of mid-career practitioners in developing countries. Fellowships are for three months and are all based at UK organisations.
Partnership LINKS
Partnership LINKS usually involve two organisations working in a common focus area in different countries. A long-term relationship develops between the organisations based on sharing skills and knowledge. Other LINKS activities can form part of this ongoing relationship, allowing in depth sharing over time. Staff from these organisations can volunteer with each other, join study tours or develop eLINKS or other learning opportunities. These partnerships aim to contribute to sustained learning and sharing.
For more information contact enquiries@vso.org.uk
