Network structure

The Network is composed of two different levels that allow for a varying degree of participation:

A) Global Network
Objectives: (1) To inform interested people of key facts or news concerning the education sector and involving the SDC, and (2) to facilitate enhanced interaction between the SDC's activities at the multilateral and bilateral levels.
Members: Anyone who works in education or a related field (such as vocational training or rural development).
How it works: Anyone interested can sign up to be regularly updated on key events and the work carried out by the SDC and its partners. Each person can let the others know of potentially useful information. Participation is determined by people's time and level of interest.
Tools: A newsletter (four per year), interim news, and the shareweb.

B) Working groups (or "communities of practice")
Objective: To encourage more in-depth exchanges on specific topics and on issues faced by numerous members.
Members: Interested SDC staff and, if appropriate, close partners who work on the same issues and can contribute to conceptual deliberations.
How it works: Working groups are formed on the initiative of the regional divisions or other groups who feel that in-depth discussions of shared concerns will help them in their work. They may also be created for a defined period of time in order to address a one-time concern. They set precise goals, define their priorities together, organise both virtual and face-to-face discussions, and select their working language. They can request help from the Focal Point and other Network members in setting up, running and moderating the group, as well as for translation-related needs. The Focal Point will provide everyone in the Global Network with any results of the working groups that could be of general interest.
Tools: Electronic discussions and/or face-to-face meetings for the purposes of conceptual discussions or joint action (workshops, field visits, peer evaluation, etc.).