Situational mapping enables Viva to identify which churches and organisations are working for children in what ways, where the gaps are, and how Viva can best support these organisations to positively change the situation for children in the future.

Mapping is used to:

• Present known information and identify additional needs of and threats to children in the city
• Identify the existing community and Christian response
• Make informed recommendations for network action to bring about change for children
• Provide a directory of organisations’ expertise, focus and contact details for better information, networking and collaboration

The results highlight the urgency of collaborative solutions to the critical issues identified.

How does mapping help to connect organisations?

• Understanding how and where different organisations are working enables those working in the area to know how they can complement eachother, share resources and where they need to work together.
• The mapping helps to see the Christian response within the context of the entire community response.
• Presentation of the research findings is ideal for bringing the community together and mobilising a broader Christian response.
• A detailed overview of the local situation enhances credibility for emerging collective action responses and provides the basis for more informed and effective advocacy.
• Producing a directory of the responders in the area enables easier communication and referral mechanisms.

Methodology

In preparation, networks wanting to undertake situational mapping must identify the purpose, a budget and if necessary put together a proposal for funding. They must also recruit a team of paid staff (where funding allows) and volunteers to carry out the study.

Once the scope of the study has been defined (physical boundaries, target group, type and amount of data), collection takes 2 forms:

1. Desk research and literary review
2. Field research

The data collected is then analysed by a team selected for their experience in the field of research, community members, and childcare practitioners. They will summarise findings to be distributed through a written report and/or at a forum of local actors, church leaders, government officials, local media and other local leaders.

This will be coupled with a Directory of Services for children at risk including network organisations and stakeholders and organisational profiles.

Viva supports the network with this process by developing and providing resources (e.g. situational mapping handbook and examples of directories), materials where needed and offering advise throughout the process.

Find out more?

If you would like to access previous mapping reports and Viva resources or any further information on situational mapping, please do contact us on (+44) 1865 811 660 or info@viva.org