Programmes | Benefits for children | Viva’s added value

The network model is inherently outward looking, and we are constantly looking for ways to engage with community beyond the network’s current reach. Through mobilising members across a city, networks are able to play a leading role in changing the situation for children. Campaigns and advocacy initiatives targeting adults and children in wider society to change attitudes and norms. These campaigns also provide good opportunities for the network to work with churches, organisations and authorities that are outside the network membership. We have developed a number of programmes to support this and encourage networks to implement them annually.

Programmes include: the World Weekend of Prayer and the Good Treatment Campaign

A greater ’reach’ does not solely enable more people to benefit from the programmes offered by the network, but can also be instrumental in achieving the aim of changing the situation for children. Events can be used as a tool to influence mindsets, attitudes, behaviour and understanding of people within these communities.

The networks must begin to collaborate with local and government authorities as well as larger city churches to achieve more sustainable change across the cities. A good track-record of positive impact made by collective action programmes and the strong capacity of the network builds credibility and opens doors to the possibility of engaging with other city actors including corporates, larger NGOs and government officials. This generates greater potential for networks to push for change in policies that may be negatively impacting children.

Business and corporates are encouraged to invest in social change and greater engagement with authorities breaks down barriers and enables the network to influence policy and activity which can effect change for children beyond network boundaries across the city or even nationally.

Benefits for Children

• Children have the opportunity to participate and take a leading role in campaigns – speaking out or advocating for themselves.
• Children have the opportunity to meet peers and work together through the campaigns.
• Prevention work of any scale, regarding any theme affecting children, is only possible through collective action of multiple stakeholders across the city.
• The network reaches a larger proportion of society through the messages put out into the public arena – through radio, tv, media, posters, church congregations changing mindsets/attitudes of adults and children, which then leads to changed behaviours.
• Change in knowledge attitudes and behaviours makes children feel more valued and safe.

Viva’s Added Value

To enable networks to have a wider influence, changing attitudes, mindsets and policies, we have developed tried and tested advocacy and campaign programmes mentioned above along with associated resources for networks to use.

Viva Network Development Team advises networks on how to engage and build relationships with key city actors that have the potential to effect wider change across the city. Once relationships have been formed, Viva supports the development of written MOUs and agreements leading to higher level relationships with greater influence and potential for partnership. to work on the solution strategy at a city level.