Reflecting on Impact: The Moving Minds Alliance’s Journey Towards Local Leadership in Humanitarian Action

In the vibrant city of Nairobi, an inspiring gathering of Early Childhood Development (ECD) professionals unfolded from November 13-15, 2024, as the Moving Minds Alliance (MMA) convened its annual meeting. This year’s convening brought together over 55 passionate Early Childhood Development in Emergencies (ECDiE) professionals, all united by a shared mission: to support young children affected by crisis and displacement. This event was a testament to collaboration, innovation, and the transformative power of shared purpose.

The room buzzed with energy as participants from diverse backgrounds—seasoned practitioners, emerging leaders, and representatives from refugee-led organisations (RLOs)— came together to exchange knowledge, insights, and strategies. This dynamic mix of expertise created vibrant space for discussion, learning, and strategising. The convening was curated to balance reflecting on the history of MMA, learnings from thought-leaders like Degan Ali and Simeon Mawanza and planning the future of the alliance. 

Embracing the power of play, the meeting opened with a creative LEGO-building activity. Participants constructed mini figures representing their super-powers and contributions to the MMA, fostering connections on both individual and organisational levels. This interactive exercise mirrors the playful, participatory tools participants employ in their work with young refugees and children caught up in crisis.

Highlights and Key Takeaways 

• Celebrating Success and Learning from the Past

The meeting fostered knowledge-sharing among MMA members and local humanitarian actors. A highlight was the generative reflection on MMA’s evolution from 2017 – 2024. We revisited past successes, examined effective ways of working, and explored opportunities to strengthen MMA’s impact. These sessions provided an opportunity to celebrate progress while laying the groundwork for future initiatives.

• Learning from Sector Leaders

A powerful three-part panel discussion featured prominent voices from diverse sectors. Degan Ali (Adeso) and Simeon Mawanza (Porticus) offered thought-provoking reflections on how to increase localisation in humanitarian response. They reflected on the evolving role of INGOs and the UN system itself. They challenged the audience to reimagine a development and humanitarian system led by affected communities as primary stakeholders, rather than beneficiaries, within a global model based upon solidarity and mutual aid rather than charity.

RLO leaders from Kakuma Kenya, Matabishi Narukako, Ismail Abdalla and Leani Kibingila illustrated how local organisations are usually the first responders but remain under-resourced. MMA has set out on a journey to realise localisation and will continue curating and identifying opportunities to learn. (Subscribe to MMA’s YouTube channel to get notified when the panel discussions videos are uploaded).

• Interactive Reflection Cafe

Amongst many valuable sessions, the “Reflection Café” provided a highly interactive opportunity to share feedback on the meeting’s content. Participants discussed what resonated most, highlighted areas of improvement, and identified areas of work they would like to explore further in the future. This session exemplified MMA’s commitment to fostering a strong network of professionals and organisations that values continuous learning and adaptation in service of advancing holistic ECD in emergency contexts.

Shifting Power: A New Era of Leadership

The meeting marked a significant milestone in MMA’s journey with the introduction of its new steering committee co-chair, Joel Kikalage Dieudonne. A dedicated social worker renowned for empowering young children and families in emergency situations, Joel founded the Network of Refugee Researchers of Uganda and established the ECD Centre at Kashojwa Primary School, where he conducted extensive outreach and parenting support while also serving as an interpreter for international researchers. His contributions to ECD initiatives in refugee communities exemplify the lived experience MMA seeks to elevate.

This leadership transition is more than symbolic – it embodies MMA’s broader commitment to redistributing power and fostering inclusivity in decision-making. Throughout the meeting, co-facilitators from local and refugee-led organisations played key roles, highlighting the alliance’s dedication to practising what it preaches.

A Model for Change in the Humanitarian Sector

MMA’s efforts to shift internal power dynamics mirror its advocacy for systemic change in the humanitarian sector. Key strategies include:

• Increasing representation from refugees, RLOs and locally led organisations (LLOs) in its membership and decision-making processes.
• Amplifying local expertise, perspectives and leadership in advocacy and project implementation
• Partnering with regional and national networks to lead responses during crises and beyond.

These efforts seek to position the MMA as a microcosm of the systemic changes needed in humanitarian response, demonstrating how power can be effectively shared and redistributed. 

The MMA is strategically positioned to broker connections between ECD, humanitarian, and development ecosystems. By enhancing collaboration and solidarity among diverse stakeholders—RLOs, LLOs, INGOs, UN agencies, regional networks, and universities—the alliance aims to ensure that each collaborator can leverage their strengths. This approach allows for the mobilisation and maximising of both financial and non-financial resources to benefit affected children and communities. 

Renewed Vision for the Future 

Through its advocacy and localisation efforts, the Moving Minds Alliance will continue advancing its mission to scale up the financing, policies and leadership needed to effectively support young children and families affected by crisis and displacement everywhere. MMA will also set a new standard for how the humanitarian system can operate more equitably and effectively amidst rapid change.

Kasi Jaseph Bisimway (Cohere), a member of the Expert Advisory Group, expressed his renewed enthusiasm:

 “What impresses me most about MMA is how it has continually evolved. This meeting has shown me that the alliance is not resting on its laurels but actively pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in our field.” 

MMA’s evolution as the leading voice for ECD in humanitarian contexts is underpinned by its commitment to inclusive leadership and evidence-based practices. By fostering a collaborative environment that values diverse perspectives and amplifies varied voices, the alliance hopes to create a space where all members and allies can contribute to its mission. 

Looking Ahead: Carrying the Momentum Forward

As the meeting drew to a close, a renewed sense of purpose and excitement bubbled amongst participants. Stellah Tumwebaze, Executive Director, Literacy and Basic Education, Uganda, captured the collaborative and inclusive spirit that defined the convening: 

“What an incredible platform for a local organisation like LABE to engage and share its insights! The networking opportunities and potential partnerships that emerged are truly remarkable.”

The 2024 annual meeting of the MMA was more than just a gathering of ECD professionals- it was a celebration of collective impact and a reaffirmation of the power of partnership. As attendees returned home, they carried with them new knowledge, deeper connections, and a reinvigorated sense of belonging to an alliance larger than themselves. This year’s convening reaffirmed that together, we can transform challenges into opportunities and contribute to a world in which all children are supported to thrive and not just survive, where no child is left behind, no matter their circumstances.

Written by Lola Ayanda, MMA Communications Manager, Leah Anyanwu, Programme Specialist, The LEGO Foundation and Patricia Young, MMA Director.