Knowledge Nomads by Dancing Dupetky

Context

In the heart of Slovakia, near the bustling city of Bratislava, two passionate individuals, Soňa, a dedicated teacher, and Krystian, a committed social worker, came together to address a pressing issue - unequal access to education among children - Cesta Mladych. Their shared concern for the marginalized Roma community led them on a journey to make a meaningful difference. To gain firsthand insights, they ventured into the community, providing after-school classes, educational workshops, and engaging activities for Roma children. Among their numerous initiatives, the 'Edu box' stood as a testament to their dedication, serving as an after-school learning haven generously supported by the local municipality and a partner school.

The Edu box initiative achieved remarkable milestones:

1. Breaking Down Roma Stigma: By fostering an inclusive and welcoming learning environment, Sonia and Krystian took significant strides in breaking down stereotypes and prejudices against the Roma community.

2. Fostering Knowledge Exchange: Through after-school classes and workshops, they ensured that children in the community had continuous access to educational opportunities, empowering them to pursue their dreams and aspirations.

3. Expanding Networks and Resources: Cesta Mladych successfully harnessed the power of community support, collecting donations, and establishing valuable partnerships that allowed them to expand their resources and reach more children in need.

Their efforts earned them accolades, enriching the lives of countless children and transforming the community. However, as with many noble endeavors, challenges emerged when unforeseen circumstances arrived on the scene.

The world was soon hit by the devastating pandemic, adding an unexpected layer of complexity to their mission. Additionally, Sonia and Krystian found themselves with new responsibilities as parents, juggling their commitment to the Roma community with the demands of family life. To compound the issue, the funding that sustained their projects began to expire, and some of their vital partnerships faded away.

In this case study, we present a prototype solution that emerged during a rapid 9-day sprint, driven by the available resources within the NGO's network and their expertise. Throughout the development process, we carefully considered the crucial elements of building resilience, systems thinking, fostering systemic change, and encouraging a mindset shift within the organization and the community it serves. This solution reflects the authentic DNA of the Cesta Mladych organization, aligning seamlessly with its mission, vision, and deeply held values. Amidst the challenges brought on by a global pandemic and shifting partnerships, the innovative approach detailed in this case study offers a glimpse into a potential path forward for Cesta Mladych and their unwavering commitment to the Roma community.

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Problem

Tackling the multifaceted challenge at hand, our journey began with a fundamental shift in perspective. We framed the problem as a "how might we" question: 

"How might we help you develop diversified funding strategies so that you can acquire funding from multiple partners?" 

This subtle but profound shift in approach allowed us to redefine the very concept of funding. No longer confined to a monetary definition, we broadened our horizons to view funding as a comprehensive system of reliable resources. These resources encompassed not only financial support but also skills, expertise, physical space, time, and the profound impact that could empower the community to become its own agents of transformation.

Central to our strategy was the recognition of the power of networks. We identified network marketing as a core element of our organizational approach, taking inspiration from the successes of companies like Herbalife, Avon, and Tupperware. By harnessing the potential of network marketing, we aimed to empower individuals within the Roma community to become independent representatives of the NGO. This innovative peer-to-peer system was designed to foster community growth through the exchange of knowledge and the expansion of the network, making every member a vital catalyst for positive change.

As Christine Comaford-Lynch aptly puts it, 

"Networking is marketing. Marketing yourself, your uniqueness, what you stand for"

In embracing this philosophy, our solution sought to not only secure resources but also to cultivate a vibrant network that would, in turn, market the unique strengths and potential of the Roma community, ultimately driving positive change from within.

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“The strength of your NGO is the network around it" - Soňa Koreňová, VP

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Bridging the Gap: Designing a Solution for Cesta Mladých's Educational Challenge

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In crafting our prototype solution, Knowmads, we embarked on a journey inspired by the profound significance of words and the Roma community's cultural heritage. The name "Knowmads" is a fusion of "Knowledge" and "Nomads." "Knowledge" is intricately tied to our NGO's mission of imparting education to Roma children, while "Nomads" evokes the rich historical and cultural association with the Roma people, also known as Gypsies—a community revered for their love of freedom, travel, and music. Much like the Roma's nomadic lifestyle, our vision for Knowmads was to create a dynamic platform where knowledge, like a treasured possession, is carried to the places where it's needed most.

At the core of Knowmads lies a revolutionary concept: a self-sustained community that draws its strength from the wealth of skills and expertise found within its own ranks. In this new paradigm, a diversified funding strategy thrives on a diverse network. Thus, we champion a fundamental mindset shift for our NGO, transitioning from a role of mere "tutoring" to that of effective networking, aiming to expand the support network while simultaneously empowering the community it serves.

Knowmads serves as our vehicle to shatter long-standing stereotypes and reshape the narrative around the Roma community. It pivots the perspective from children in need of help to children who possess untapped potential and invaluable contributions to offer. Through the assembly of leading examples within the Roma community, each with unique skills and expertise, we're cultivating a resilient, independent ecosystem that defies the limitations of conventional funding cycles.

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To enhance our resilience, we have implemented low-threshold networking and fundraising events, providing individuals with the platform to share their skills and expertise. Simultaneously, Knowmads acts as a catalyst in dismantling preconceived notions about the Roma community, revealing its true values and potential. Our network, the "Knowledge Nomads," transcends city and country borders, facilitating regular knowledge exchange events—a monthly rendezvous that bridges communities and promotes understanding.

In this journey of transformation, our initial touchpoint is the EduBox, where we gather ideas and inspiration for future developments. Knowmads, rooted in the fusion of knowledge and nomadic spirit, represents our unwavering commitment to promoting autonomy, resilience, and a brighter future for the Roma community, independent of the constraints of traditional funding models.

Value for the NGO

One of the most remarkable aspects of our solution, Knowmads, is the potential it holds to transform the value landscape for Cesta Mladych. As we expand our network of partners, a world of possibilities emerges. Imagine the acquisition of resources like bikes, vans, or cars that could not only bolster the NGO's logistical capabilities but also serve as vital tools in marketing and expanding Knowmads to different towns, strengthening the interconnected network. 

For instance, a van obtained through this strategy could be a mobile marketplace, offering a platform for the sale of Roma products, arts, and crafts—a vibrant showcase of the community's talents. The profits generated from these endeavors would, in turn, become a lifeline to sustain the Knowledge Nomads platform. 

This innovative approach embodies the ideals of sustainability and independence, charting a course where the NGO operates autonomously, free from the constraints of external partners. In essence, it lifts the burden from the shoulders of Cesta Mladych, allowing them to focus on their core mission while empowering the individuals who matter most— the resilient and talented members of the Roma community. This self-sustaining model has the potential to redefine the very concept of impact, where the community takes the reins of its own progress, harnessing its strength and creativity to forge a brighter future.

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Potential Impact

One of the most remarkable aspects of our solution, Knowmads, is the potential it holds to transform the value landscape for Cesta Mladych. As we expand our network of partners, a world of possibilities emerges. Imagine the acquisition of resources like bikes, vans, or cars that could not only bolster the NGO's logistical capabilities but also serve as vital tools in marketing and expanding Knowmads to different towns, strengthening the interconnected network. 

For instance, a van obtained through this strategy could be a mobile marketplace, offering a platform for the sale of Roma products, arts, and crafts—a vibrant showcase of the community's talents. The profits generated from these endeavors would, in turn, become a lifeline to sustain the Knowledge Nomads platform. 

This innovative approach embodies the ideals of sustainability and independence, charting a course where the NGO operates autonomously, free from the constraints of external partners. In essence, it lifts the burden from the shoulders of Cesta Mladych, allowing them to focus on their core mission while empowering the individuals who matter most— the resilient and talented members of the Roma community. This self-sustaining model has the potential to redefine the very concept of impact, where the community takes the reins of its own progress, harnessing its strength and creativity to forge a brighter future.

Conclusion

In the culmination of our case study journey, we found ourselves at a pivotal juncture. As we held our final exhibition, a groundbreaking experiment was conducted on the marketing strategy, putting the network of Holis to the test. It was here that we witnessed the true scaling impact of our innovative concept. 

The quote, "Cesta Mladych is actually quite rich - rich in culture, rich in people with different skills and ideas, rich in resources. Let's change the narrative," echoed in our minds throughout this journey. This sentiment embodies the essence of our mission—to redefine the narrative and to unearth the immense wealth that exists within the Cesta Mladych community. 

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By embracing the Knowmads concept, we're not just challenging stigmas but also celebrating the richness of culture, skills, and resources. In conclusion, our case study underscores the potential for transformation, resilience, and empowerment that lies within this paradigm shift, presenting a path forward that is not only sustainable and independent but also deeply rooted in the Roma community's own strength and aspirations.

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Feedback from Challenge Owner - Cesta Mladych

"I want to express my appreciation for your 'out-of-the-box' thinking. Honestly, I was very curious about how you would address all the problems and dead ends I shared with you. I was half-expecting you to suggest something like selling training programs. My 'aha' moments were when I realized that we could grow our community by sharing knowledge and empower our students to become tutors in specific areas of expertise. It's not just about helping students who need assistance but also about students who have something valuable to offer. For now, we're taking some time off from managing Cesta Mladych, and we'll return with a fresh, relaxed, and motivated approach to start over again." - Sona Korenova, co-founder of Cesta Mladych

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Team

Tímea Mónus, Dominika Michalska, Diego Alatorre Guzmán, Viviana Calvagno and Eva-Maria Chapuy.

Facilitator & Junior Facilitators

Facilitator: Archie MS

Junior Facilitator: Alvaro Valls Boix

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