Global Network Online Forum - September 2025

Dear all, 

Thank you to everyone who joined the recent Global Network Online Forum. It was an encouraging time of sharing and reflection as we explored the Quality Improvement System (QIS) together, hearing an overview of the process and inspiring reflections from different networks already using it. 

The Quality Improvement System (QIS) 

We began the meeting by hearing from Michelle Kempster, Viva’s QIS Facilitator, who gave a broad overview of what the Quality Improvement System is. You are welcome to revisit Michelle’s presentation by downloading her slideshow here (English). 

We then heard from three of the six African networks currently rolling out QIS as part of a joint funded programme, in Zambia, Uganda, and Tanzania. 

1. SCAR, Zambia: As a network rolling out QIS for the first time, what are your most important learnings thus far? 
Chimwemwe, from SCAR, shared that patience and continuous learning have been key. Rolling out QIS is not a quick process, but with steady commitment and openness to learning, organisations are beginning to see change. Robby added that the organisations, churches and schools going through QIS are benefitting greatly from individual, personalised mentoring, and from their procedures and systems being written down and formalised so that they are known and understood by all workers. 

2. CRANE, Uganda: You have been running QIS for many years. Could you share how QIS has impacted positively on communities and children? 
Immy, from CRANE, shared a powerful video demonstrating the positive impact QIS has had on communities and children. She highlighted how QIS has transformed organisations like Dwelling Places, which moved from being an unstructured rescue operation to a well-organised organisation with strong systems, policies, and governance. 

3. MCAN, Tanzania: You have experience in running QIS in schools, churches and organisations. How are you able to keep them motivated to continue journeying through improvements towards the QIS Standards over time? 
Iman, from MCAN, explained the importance of:  

• building a strong foundation 

• celebrating small successes 

• involving stakeholders throughout the process 

• ensuring that organisational leadership is engaged and supportive.  

These strategies have been key to sustaining motivation and commitment over the long term. 

Breakout Room Highlights 

Some of the points raised in breakout rooms included: 

• In Bolivia, QIS was introduced many years ago and even became a condition for joining the network. Churches strengthened through QIS became comprehensive care centres, members learned the value of working to a high standard, and organisations were able to access grants. 

• A challenge is that some networks are so focused on fieldwork that the “paperwork” — policies, systems, and documentation — is often neglected, and therefore a programme such as QIS does not feel like a priority. 

• Many networks in Latin America already address similar areas to those covered in QIS through their programming, but you are still interested in how QIS might strengthen your work further. 

• You expressed enthusiasm for seeing the new version of QIS and for exploring opportunities to use online training and the resource hub to share tools with your networks. 

• Networks in Africa also emphasised QIS’s flexibility and adaptability, its child-focused impact, and its role in strengthening credibility, collaboration, and organisational health. 

Looking Ahead 

As mentioned during the Forum, if you have any more questions about QIS, want to take a look at the new materials, or just want to find out more about the programme, please do get in touch with your coach, or directly with Michelle at m.kempster@viva.org.   

The new Know Your Network toolkit 

We shared a reminder that the Know Your Network annual surveys and programme tracking logs are due by 30th  September. If you have any questions about how to complete these forms, please do not hesitate to get in contact with your Viva Coach. 

Good Treatment Campaign 

As mentioned at the end of the Forum, you should have received an email with a link to the Good Treatment Campaign page on our website. We have developed new resources and content, and we are excited to share these with you now. Everything you need can be found on the website here. You will find lots of things you can use in your campaign, including a Participant Pack, graphics, and videos. 

This year, we have an exciting development - an online Pledge Card! This means more people can sign a commitment to treating children well. You can also update us digitally on the number of hard-copy Pledge Cards signed during an event. 

 The link to the recording of this month’s forum is here (audio available in English and Spanish – click on the Settings icon to change your language).  

We look forward to seeing you at the next Global Network Prayer Call on Wednesday 24th September and at our next Forum on Wednesday 8th October, where we will have part two of our series on the economic strengthening of families.