Supporting SuSanA and the broader WASH Community of Practice through the SuSanA on-line platform

Purpose

To improve the effectiveness of the SuSanA platform as a knowledge management resource that promotes increased collaboration and information-sharing

Activities

Central to the project are three studies, connected to the three outcomes described below in the Objectives, the results of which will inform decisions about improved planning and implementation of SuSanA.

The first study looked at how online user experiences can be enhanced for SuSanA’s online knowledge-management resource ( www.susana.org ) and already lively discussion forum ( www.forum.susana.org ). Through competitive bidding this project was carried out by Bentley University's User Experience Centre in March 2017. The results of the study were distributed through the SuSanA Forum (see link below). Changes to the SuSanA Forum and website were made during April to August 2017.

Second was a marketing study to better understand the knowledge and networking needs of the global WASH community, particularly those parts of the community that could play a bigger role within or in collaboration with SuSanA. One key outcome of this study will be the development of a major new communications strategy and implementation plan for SuSanA and its partners. Through competitive bidding this study was carried out during 2017 by CAWST and Seecon.

The third study will look at how to ensure SuSanA’s long-term organizational sustainability and will take place in 2018.

Countries of activity

Location of main activity

Objectives

Phase 3 (2016-2018):

The project will have three key outcomes: 1) Improved use of SuSanA Platform by identified target groups, through a clear communications plan and platform improvements; 2) Demonstrable improvements in the impact that use of the SuSanA Platform has on members’ work in sanitation; 3) Strengthened governance and institutional sustainability of SuSanA as reflected in an operational plan that includes a plan for funding the budget needed to assure the future of SuSanA.

The overall objective of this current Phase 3: to improve the effectiveness of the SuSanA platform as a knowledge management resource that promotes increased collaboration and information-sharing within the WASH sector and to support the long-term sustainability of the platform.

Further information

Grant size of Phase 3: $1,5 M (over 2 years)

The consortium consists of SEI, GIZ, Oxfam, WaterAid, Kellogg Consultants, Ostella, Dotwerkstatt

Earlier phases had the titles: Extension of SuSanA Discussion Forum - Supporting online knowledge management, dissemination and peer discussions of the BMGF WSH projects

Phases 1 & 2: This project contributed to the knowledge management and dissemination of results of sanitation grants funded by the WSH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene) program of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation - for example by using the SuSanA discussion Forum and online library.

Contact information

Arno Rosemarin
Login to see the e-mail-adress of the contact person.

Elisabeth von Muench
Login to see the e-mail-adress of the contact person.

Simon Okoth
Login to see the e-mail-adress of the contact person.

Filter tags

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Capacity development Educators Global Journalists Operation, maintenance and sustainable services Politicians and local decision makers Practitioners Public awareness, advocacy and civil society engagement Technology comparisons University, education or research institution

Links