Category: All Courses

Using PDIA to Improve Literacy for Children in Argentina’s Schools

Children listen as a teacher reads to her students

Guest blog by Karina Stocovaz, IPP ’24 For the past four years, I have led Instituto Natura, a corporate foundation that directs social investments to improve education across six Latin American countries. In Argentina, we work closely with provincial governments to design and implement literacy policies, aiming to ensure that all children learn to read…Continue Reading Using PDIA to Improve Literacy for Children in Argentina’s Schools

Navigating Complexity with Clarity: Mental Health in Kenya

IPP participants on HKS campus

Guest blog by Lynette Etemesi, IPP ’24 I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend Harvard University’s Implementing Public Policy (IPP) Program. This intensive course brought together policy professionals, change-makers, and thought leaders from around the world, all focused on a singular mission: to create meaningful, lasting impact in our respective fields. As I reflect…Continue Reading Navigating Complexity with Clarity: Mental Health in Kenya

PDIA to Engage Youth in Papua New Guinea’s Tuna Bay Area

An image of tropical Papua New Guinea

Guest blog by Anna Ga’a, Denphil Hunt-Mitir, Nabieu Lansana, Solomon Mape, Julia Tubang Doing the PDIA program was unexpected for our group; initially, we doubted we could tackle the process effectively. But, by welcoming PDIA’s open and collaborative approach, we embraced the challenge. Here’s an overview of our journey, including the lessons learned, the challenges…Continue Reading PDIA to Engage Youth in Papua New Guinea’s Tuna Bay Area

Coordinating Workforce Development Services in Rural Arizona

"Invest in People" silhouette

Guest blog by Jeremy Flowers, IPP ’24 I was born and raised in New England, where Harvard University holds mythological levels of prestige. So, when I applied for the Kennedy School’s Implementing Public Policy program, I expected knowledge and skills that couldn’t be obtained anywhere else, and world-class presentations by dazzlingly brilliant professors. I was…Continue Reading Coordinating Workforce Development Services in Rural Arizona

Supporting Survivors of Gender-Based Violence in Papua New Guinea

Team members in PNG

Guest blog by Sharlene Gawi, Nesther Horiva, Audrey Kari, Naijolin Tumul Gender-based violence has become a prevalent and growing issue in Papua New Guinea. Research from the 2016-2018 Demographic Health Survey showed that at least 68% of women in PNG have experienced this violence at some point in their lives. This is double the global…Continue Reading Supporting Survivors of Gender-Based Violence in Papua New Guinea

Low Economic Engagement of Youth in Agribusiness Opportunities in Kutubu, Papua New Guinea

Sweet potato fields in Papua New Guinea

Guest blog by Elsie Mongoru, Alexander Tanabi, Dorcas Mileng, Emmanuel Kokiva, Evenezer Tanda, David William, Nancy Ilambi In the heart of Papua New Guinea lies Kutubu rural local government area in Nipa Kutubu District of Southern Highlands Province. The population is estimated to be 24,155 with a youth population of around 7,229 of which 43%…Continue Reading Low Economic Engagement of Youth in Agribusiness Opportunities in Kutubu, Papua New Guinea

Supporting Collective Action and Reform Coalitions in PNG: Trust is Critical

The Voice Inc leadership

Guest blog by Barbara Thomas, Maliwai Sasingian, & Kirk Gibson  In January 2024, the Black Wednesday riots shook Papua New Guinea (PNG). Local thinkers highlight these as acts of desperation, driven by underlying causes including unemployment and the increasing cost of living. But governments alone cannot solve the complex problems that drive these events. Citizens, civil…Continue Reading Supporting Collective Action and Reform Coalitions in PNG: Trust is Critical

Exploring the lack of access to revenue in Wyoming

Revenue Growth

Guest blog by Tom Brauer, Justin D. Farley, Amber Pollock In Wyoming, much like throughout the United States, communities lack access to revenue and control of the revenue-raising mechanisms needed to self-determine their future. Over the past 12 weeks, The Wild Optimists have been immersed in the Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) course, where we’ve grown…Continue Reading Exploring the lack of access to revenue in Wyoming