In a recent workshop, we were presented this quandary: ‘I get the challenge definition, but how do you nail down a solution’. I’m writing this blog to tackle this perhaps unspoken matter of contention for many working in Innovation and humanitarian programme design....
Let’s start with what it isn’t. A pilot. Pilots have historically been the default method used in the humanitarian sector when moving towards new approaches to solving problems. A pilot is, by definition, a solution that is to be tested on a small scale that is seen...
This is an excerpt from UNHCR’s recently released report: Innovation at UNHCR 2014. This report highlights and showcases some of the innovative approaches the organization is taking to address complex refugee challenges. Much of the Energy Lab’s work in 2014...
Refugees have reported that, thanks to solar streetlights in the refugee camps around Dollo Ado, Ethiopia, there’s now more freedom of movement in and around the camps. Security has increased and people can go to the market, read, or study at night – activities that...
Dollo Ado is a Woreda (district) in Somali region of Ethiopia – that borders the troubled Somalia. It’s home to over 200,000 Somali Refugees that fled war, drought and other calamities in Somalia. Hiloweyn refugee camp – one of the five camps in the district–...
