Action learning is a collaborative problem-solving process in which institutions and individuals with diverse skill sets analyse problems and develop solutions to those challenges. The group continues to meet as actions are implemented, learning from the implementation and making course corrections based on reflection and learning.
Guided by its mission, the YIELD Hub convenes Action Learning Groups (ALGs) on different AYSRHR themes through a competitive application process to support and develop the capacity of individuals and institutions to create youth-centric solutions that advance AYSRHR priorities.
What is the action learning process?
The YIELD Hub supports Action Learning Groups through a five-stage cycle structured as a 90-minute virtual session per stage for up to seven months.
Orientation: Before the five-stage session begins, an orientation is organised to familiarise ALG members with each other, introduce them to the YIELD Hub team and action learning topic, explain the ALG’s logistics, and emphasise the importance of their commitment to the 7-month journey, with the understanding that Action Learning is both a methodology and a disciplined process.
- OBSERVE: The focus is on understanding the broader challenges of the Action Learning Topic and its impact on the AYSRHR field. Members reflect on how the topic such as “Compensating Youth Work” and “Capacity Development for Youth Transition” relates to their work. By the end of the session, everyone will clearly understand how different members perceive the topic and how it connects to their work.
- ASSESS: The second step is for each organisation to focus on specific issues or challenges they want to address, based on the general topic and insights from other members. Through guided facilitation, members will develop an initial problem statement and identify potential actions to explore. By the end of the session, each organisation will have an initial idea of the problem they want to address and possible actions to take.
- DESIGN: Three distinct sessions are organised during this stage:
- Human-Centered Design (HCD) Workshop: Members reflect on and refine their initial problem statements and action plans, leading to the development of their final action learning goals.
- First Design Session: Members further refine their goals, incorporating feedback from other members and relevant stakeholders. Responsibilities and resources are assigned to address the learning goals.
- Final Design Phase (1 month later): Members review their progress and determine both short-term and long-term strategies for implementation. At this stage, members also Identify gaps in implementing follow-up plans and receive capacity-building support.
- IMPLEMENTATION: The implementation phase lasts 3 months, with follow-up calls and sessions to track members’ progress in implementing their goals. During this period, members address issues in real-time according to their action plans. The YIELD Hub team and other ALG members provide ongoing support, including additional capacity-building. This phase involves monitoring the progres of the actions taken, allowing organisations to assess whether the strategies are effective or if adjustments are needed.
- CAPTURE & CLOSING: The final step is to reflect on the outcomes. Members share their learning journey, implementation progress, and other findings with the ALG for feedback and further reflection. Through discussion, organisations identify key lessons learned, understanding what worked, what didn’t, and why. The YIELD Hub and ALG members co-create learning resources, toolkits, organisational policy recommendations, advocacy strategies, and other materials developed after the capture and closing session.
Our Action Learning Groups & Testimonies
Since the YIELD Hub launch, we have successfully completed eight Action Learning Groups for more than 50 organisations, representing funders, international non-governmental organisations, researchers, youth groups, and independent consultants. With members from all around the world, we continue to develop the capacity of individuals and institutions to advance meaningful adolescent and youth partnerships in AYSRHR. Learn more about each cycle and member testimonies by clicking on the topic blocks below:
Capacity Building Support
The Hub provides direct capacity-building support to members of our Action Learning Groups to facilitate the implementation of their Action Learning goals. This includes topics such as strategy development, fundraising and resource mobilisation, and designing communication and advocacy strategies, among others.
Members of our Action Learning Groups also undergo compulsory training in Human-Centred Design (HCD), equipping them with HCD tools and frameworks. This training enables them to incorporate perspectives from key stakeholders within their organisations and co-create their problem statements, Action Learning goals, and plans collaboratively.
Additionally, The Hub organises capacity-building sessions on broader topics relevant to Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (AYSRHR). These sessions are conducted independently by the Hub or in collaboration with Action Learning Group members and partner organisations.
Upon request, the Hub also provides targeted capacity-building and technical support to youth groups, international NGOs, and funders to strengthen their initiatives.
Action Learning Online Community (ALOC)
ALOC 2025 is a seven-month online learning journey designed to support individuals and organisations working in youth-focused and Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (AYSRHR) initiatives.
Hosted on the Mighty Platform, the programme offers technical training courses, practical tools, and expert insights to help participants strengthen their individual capacity and organisational work.
The learning experience is flexible and self-paced, allowing participants to engage with curated resources that address real-world challenges in their work. Through interactive modules, community discussions, and hands-on assignments, participants will develop essential skills to enhance their projects and initiatives.
Examples of courses include learning how to compensate youth work, building the capacity of youth for transition, and effective fundraising.
FAQ: Collective Action Learning
How are Action Learning Group sessions organised?
Action Learning sessions are held online (Zoom) monthly, occasionally twice a month, with each session lasting 90 minutes. These sessions follow a structured format grounded in the Action Learning approach. Participants maintain a learning diary to document real-time reflections, track their progress, and strengthen collaboration with fellow group members.
What does the YIELD Hub offer & how does it work?
We offer a unique space and approach for committed stakeholders to collaborate, learn, share, and align on building transformational change in the AYSRHR space. Through participation in action learning processes,stakeholders have the opportunity to engage in real-time applied problem solving, networking, and partnerships alongside people who are also committed to improving AYSRHR.
Does the YIELD Hub provide grant funding?
No. The Hub does not provide grant funding. However, the outcome of an action learning cycle may lead to external funding opportunities within the broader AYSRHR space.
How are Action Learning Groups different from a community of practice?
We focus on aligning stakeholders to advance solutions that systematically improve youth engagement and youth partnership in AYSRHR. By facilitating action learning processes, the YIELD Hub will support the generation of new insights and experiences that contribute to improved youth partnership in AYSRHR.
Can I participate in an Action Learning Group as an individual?
Action learning groups are designed for institutional representatives. However, individuals who work outside of an institutional role and demonstrably work to change institutional practices are welcome to join. Anyone interested in following the insights resulting from the action learning groups can sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media.
Do Action Learning Group members need to commit to public accountability?
Public commitment is not a prerequisite to participating in the c action learning groups. However, our core group members strive to publicly commit to implementing the output of the action learning design phase and capturing their results for the action learning group and the broader field.
