Navigating the Waters of Education Reform: A Reflection on Implementing Public Policy 

Guest blog by Georgia Hachem, IPP’23

Embarking on the journey of Harvard’s Implementing Public Policy (IPP) course has been a transformative experience, particularly as I delved into the complex realm of education reform. Over the course of numerous assignments and hands-on experiences, I encountered both challenges and revelations that have significantly shaped my understanding of public policy implementation. In this blog post, I aim to share the key learnings from the IPP course, shed light on the implementation challenge I tackled related to education reform, and explore the impact this course has had on my problem-solving approach. 

Second Chances for Indiana: Key Learnings and Insights

Guest blog by Andrea Cuellar, Fabio Ostermann, Nanditha Menon

As a team working on the problem of high recidivism in Marion County, Indiana, we have been through an enriching journey utilizing the Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) framework. This course has broadened our understanding and provided valuable insights into tackling this complex issue, using coherent small steps to get quick wins, and gaining valuable information about possible next steps.

Rediscovering malnutrition in Angola through a PDIA lens 

Guest blog by Achref Aouadi, Catalina Reyes Villegas, Gabriela Dutra, Mustafa Rasheed

As we sat in our first PDIA class, we had no idea how experiential the course would be. We knew we would be part of a team working on a problem, but we did not know which one. Options ranged from transportation in New Orleans to access to outer space in Saudi Arabia. Our team came together with the aim of contributing to the understanding of the problem of malnutrition in Angola. 

The Challenge of Youth Unemployment in Papua New Guinea 

Guest blog written by Lucy Napitalai, Kimberly Naris, Pushpa Srinivas 

As we embark on the final reflections of this 12-week course, the echoes of wisdom and insights gained resonate in the corridors of our experience. This journey has been more than an academic exploration; a dynamic and immersive expedition woven with challenges, revelations, and a commitment to address youth unemployment that tugs at the very fabric of our society. Holistically, the key learnings of this transformative journey include:  

The Power of Collective Action: The resounding theme that reverberated in our discussions, readings, and interactions was the power embedded in collective action. The understanding is that, when individuals unite with a shared purpose, pooling diverse skills and perspectives, they unlock a reservoir of potential that can address even the most complex and entrenched challenges. 

Improved Infrastructural Development in Lagos State, Nigeria

Guest blog by Dr. Oyeyemi Ayoola FCA, IPP’23

My expectation for attending this Implementing Public Policy (IPP) Course is a tip of the iceberg compared to the learnings and competency skills in project implementation that I have garnered throughout this period of training, the course have changed my perspective and narratives of policy and project implementation in the public sector as a retired Permanent Secretary with 35 years cognate experience in the public service in Lagos State Nigeria. I have been able to learn, unlearn and relearn due to the systemic, strategic and bespoke teaching from information disseminated throughout this course, which has demonstrated the practical step by step approach and processes to policy or project implementation, problems or challenges identification and solutions to identified problems from the planning stage, which is different from the norm.

Building Bridges to Economic Growth in Laramie, Wyoming  

Guest blog written by Lili Vessereau, Boris Houenou, Daniel Saka Mbumba, Daksh Baheti 

We are a team at Harvard Kennedy School (HKS), enrolled in the Problem Driven Interactive Adaptation (PDIA) course taught by Professor Matt Andrews and Ms. Salimah Samji at HKS. As a team of development and policy practitioners, during Spring 2024, we used the PDIA framework to unpeel the economic growth problem in the city of Laramie, Wyoming. 

Improving Saudi Arabia’s role in International Space Legislation

Guest blog by Khaled Emam, Tim Freeman, Sergii Telenyk, Anupama Thekkinkat Vadukkoot

When we started our PDIA journey in the first week of the spring term, we knew little about the rollercoaster of learning that we were about to board. Although we come from different parts of the world, study distinct fields, and work in distinct professions, we were equally intrigued by the ‘Access to Space’ theme. Every twist of the rollercoaster–from reading technical legal procedures of the UN to speculation of the future of space travel–was worth traveling. 

Solidarity for Humanity in Papua New Guinea 

Guest blog written by Jean Kupo, Leah Wagi, Judy Gelua and Carrietta Anne Goye 

One of the key learnings from this course is the PDIA process. We have learnt that it is a step-by step process of solving complex problems by clearly identifying the problem and its causes, identifying entry points, and taking small steps in addressing the problem while slowly increasing authorization to drive positive change that contributes to complex problems solutions. 

Developing an All-Encompassing Regulatory Approach to Space Laws, Saudi Arabia

Guest blog by Abdullah Altaleb, IPP’23

Prior to joining IPP, I knew that having some unknown unknowns in public policy work is inevitable. Knowing what you know is for sure beneficial but knowing what you do not know and turning that into something you know is invaluable. During the program, I was able to identify some unknowns and worked on either turning them into something known or simply to known unknowns, which is a lot better than not knowing what you do not know.  

Navigating the Ukrainian Refugee Housing Crisis in MA using PDIA 

Guest blog written by Bibek Kandel, Sansar Dewan, Pratik Kunwar, Enitan Okediji

“Not everything that matters is written down, it’s all in people’s heads and minds.”

This very mantra, shared by Professor Matt Andrews during our initial Problem Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) sessions in late January 2024, resonated deeply as we, Team Maya, embarked on our journey with Olga’s List (OL), a local non-profit working at the forefront of supporting Ukrainian refugees in Massachusetts. OL is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Refugee Resettlement. Private donations fund OL as well. OL helps new Ukrainian refugees arriving in Massachusetts with immediate need of assistance and resources. It strives to help the refugees resettle and integrate into American society.