Sharing experience and lessons learned (SELL): Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery - replication and mainstreaming

For any (pilot) project which successfully achieves its objectives within its budget and timeframe, replication is essential if the same problem exists elsewhere and can be addressed in those areas in a similar way or with some modification. This is clearly the case for the TICW project, where replication is called for not simply of successful small rural livelihood projects as an alternative to migration and possible trafficking, but also the mainstreaming of approaches to local project management, coordination, strategy and policy development in the context of prevention, including participatory research, planning and monitoring. In this regard, promotion of the project’s way of working and philosophy has been made during conferences, missions, and meetings to lobby government officials. In particular, emphasis is made on participatory approaches, consideration of the views of children and young people, holistic and integrated planning (including the allocation of government budget contributions), participatory monitoring, analysis and learning, networking and coordination, and the importance of documenting good practices, experiences and lessons learned. The importance of sharing information is also promoted – horizontally for replication, upwards for mainstreaming, and downwards for empowerment.