Equipping
Coming together is only the beginning - acting together makes so much more possible.
A strong network of churches and organisations can turn relationships and shared vision into collective practical action that changes children's lives.
But knowing which programmes are most effective, and how to implement them to increase quality of care, is often a challenge.
Viva helps change that by equipping networks of churches and organisations within them to develop programmes that address the real needs children face, so more children receive better care.
How does Viva do this?
Various programmes have been developed as a response to the identified needs of children in the city, including the online sexual exploitation of children, the importance of family-based care, and child safety. As each network implements its programmes with its member churches and organisations, Viva provides support with coaching and looking for funding opportunities. Viva may also be involved in co-designing programmes, which could involve replication of an existing intervention, or the adaptation of resources that have been developed by Viva or other networks.
For instance, birth registration is a programme developed in Guatemala which gives undocumented children access to services and support, and has the potential for roll-out in other parts of the world. Many networks use a model of community learning centres run in churches within the network that enable children to access education and holistic care, reducing the risk of them dropping out of school. Viva helps networks develop communities of practice to strengthen the model and increase effectiveness.
Viva’s Impact and Learning team also plays a key role in supporting networks by equipping them to effectively monitor and evaluate their activities and share their learning.
Image is representative. Photo Credit: : monkeybusinessimages (Source: istockphoto.com)