What happens when one community, at the beginning of its journey, gets to learn from a neighbor who is a few steps ahead? Inspiration, innovation, and a powerful sense of shared purpose. That’s exactly what unfolded on May 24th, 2025, when the management committee of the Matomondo Community Learning Center (CLC) traveled to see the thriving Hogoro CLC in action.
This wasn't just a field trip; it was a peer learning visit designed to share expertise and see a successful, well-functioning CLC model up close. For the team from Matomondo, it was an opportunity to find a blueprint for success as they work to build and sustain their own center. The Hogoro CLC, launched in December 2022 in partnership with DVV International and the Kongwa District Council, served as the perfect classroom.
The Pillars of a Thriving Community Hub
During the visit, the Matomondo committee was immersed in the practical strategies that make the Hogoro CLC a cornerstone of its community. The key takeaways revolved around three critical areas:
- Community-Led Governance and Transparency: A core lesson was observing Hogoro’s strong management structure. The CLC is overseen by a committee of key ward representatives, with the Ward Councilor serving as the chairperson. This ensures local ownership and integration into community development plans. To build trust, the committee publicly displays monthly income and expenditure records, maintaining total transparency.
- Sowing the Seeds of Sustainability: The visitors saw firsthand how Hogoro generates its own income to support its operations. Through creative initiatives like renting out chairs for events , selling produce from the demonstration farm , and using its TV to generate revenue , the center covers its own operational costs like utilities. This entrepreneurial spirit is a vital lesson in long-term sustainability.
- A Hub of Holistic Learning: The Matomondo team witnessed the true multi-functional nature of a CLC. The center is a bustling hub offering a diverse range of programs tailored to community needs. This includes:
- Vocational Skills: A successful tailoring program has already seen eight graduates start their own businesses. The program is supported by five sewing machines—two donated by the District Council and three by DVV International.
- Modern Farming: A demonstration farm, supported by partners like MUVIWATA, teaches ecological farming techniques, crop rotation, and the use of organic fertilizers.
- Foundational Education: Community facilitators lead literacy and numeracy classes for 13 different learning groups using the proven REFLECT approach.
- Community Well-being: The center is also used for public village meetings , youth engagement through sports , and health training on sanitation and nutrition by the Ward Health Officer.
A Shared Future, A Stronger Network
The peer learning visit was a great success. The Matomondo CLC management committee left with a deeper understanding of their own roles and responsibilities. They gained invaluable, hands-on knowledge in managing everything from a demonstration farm to income-generating activities and effective governance strategies.
This exchange solidified Hogoro’s status as a model center committed to collaboration. More importantly, the insights gained are expected to be pivotal in guiding the successful operation and long-term sustainability of the newer Matomondo CLC.
This visit is a powerful reminder that the journey of community development is one we walk together. By sharing knowledge and celebrating each other's successes, we build a stronger, more resilient network of learning across the entire region.
To see this inspiring exchange for yourself, watch our video of the visit!