Systemic change typically unfolds within complex social systems where interactions are dynamic and often unpredictable. Many of our most pressing social challenges – like poverty and climate change – stem from these large, intricate systems, making the path to meaningful change uncertain and non-linear. In these systems, behaviours and patterns are deeply ingrained. This learning brief contributes to a collective and cumulative body of operational knowledge that can support systems change catalysts to shift system dynamics and expand their toolkits. It is designed to capture the key lessons for systems change actors, including practitioners, funders, and policymakers, drawing on the experience and impact of Ilifa Labantwana’s work across the South African early childhood development ecosystem. This learning brief seeks to provide systems change practitioners with practical lessons, and act as a point of discussion for evaluating the role organisations such as Ilifa can play in bringing about systems change.
To read this learning brief, download a PDF here or read it magazine-style on ISSUU here.