We led a hands-on workshop on the Personalising Theory of Change (TOC) for Peepul, in partnership with SAMA. Peepul is an education-focused nonprofit dedicated to transforming learning in public schools by enhancing student engagement and strengthening governance systems. Their vision is that of creating schools where every child is part of high-impact classrooms and has a great chance at fulfilling a career. Peepul works closely with educators, policymakers, and communities to drive meaningful, systemic change in the public education system.
SAMA is an organisation dedicated to advancing gender equity in the workplace by increasing women’s representation and fostering inclusive work environments. Through capacity-building initiatives, workplace interventions, and strategic partnerships, SAMA strives to create sustainable solutions that enable women to thrive in their careers. They introduced One Future Collective to the partnership with Peepul in the role of an expertise and knowledge partner.
The workshop brought together over 200 professionals from diverse roles within Peepul, offering them an opportunity to deeply explore how their individual work contributes to the organisation’s Theory of Change (TOC) and aligns with its broader mission. Held in the first week of January 2025, the sessions were designed to encourage reflection, team-building, and collaborative discussions. This approach enabled participants to critically examine and better understand the value they bring to Peepul through their day-to-day work. The workshop was highly participatory and action-oriented, ensuring meaningful engagement and providing practical insights. Activities included personalising the TOC, topical discussions, energisers, and case studies, all designed to reinforce the practical application of the learning.
A key challenge was the rapid turnaround of the project, which required the facilitators to remain flexible and adaptable as the agenda underwent multiple revisions. Furthermore, although the need for language translation was initially communicated as minimal, it quickly became clear that agile adjustments were necessary to ensure that all participants could engage inclusively and effectively. These adjustments highlighted the importance of maintaining flexibility in the face of logistical constraints.
Our Impact
The workshop successfully engaged over 200 employees from Peepul, fostering an interactive and participatory learning environment. Participants were actively involved in discussions, demonstrating a high level of engagement and a strong commitment to the organisation’s mission. Despite the tight timeline, the structured approach ensured that key concepts related to Peepul’s Theory of Change were communicated effectively. The workshop deepened participants’ understanding of how their roles fit into the broader goals of Peepul. The enthusiasm and motivation were palpable, creating a positive and collaborative atmosphere that reinforced a sense of shared purpose. Participants reported gaining greater clarity on their impact within the organisation, which led to an increased willingness to engage in cross-functional collaboration.
Our Key Takeaways
The workshop reaffirmed the value of participatory learning, especially in aligning individual roles with Peepul’s overarching mission. The high level of engagement from participants highlighted the importance of interactive and action-oriented facilitation methods. The OFC team successfully navigated the complexities and facilitated a meaningful experience for all participants through various ways, including adapting to evolving agendas and provision of translation support. Overall, the workshop significantly strengthened the team’s understanding of Peepul’s Theory of Change, ensuring that individuals now have a clear connection between their personal contributions and the organisation’s larger strategic objectives.