As Viva’s networks strengthen and grow, and they put on more collective action programmes, we encourage them to begin to hone their work and develop a strategy for change. In order to ensure that network activity is progressing and able to make a deep impact, we encourage then to think about how they can work towards a city-wide solution to the key issues facing children they work with. Ultimately, we want to see the situation changed for children across the city, not only those that network members can reach directly.

Who is working collectively?

When the networks begin to develop their solution focus, they need to build relationships with other organisations, city and government authorities to help them understand the need for change and work with them on policy-change and implementation of programmes that the network would not have capacity or jurisdiction to carry out. One example is in Uganda, CRANE are working towards developing a solution strategy to promote family-based rather than institutional care for children where possible. This has included a roundtable discussion with high-level officials and church leaders.

How it works

Following situational mapping and analysis of the most pressing needs for children, and the gaps in response, the network will have identified what needs to change. Through knowledge of the main foci and activities of the network members and from the experience of the various of programmes that have been implemented the network will have both inherent and learned skills and experience in certain areas. Supported by Viva’s consultants the network leadership will be able identify the main thematic and strategic focus that both meets the need of children in their locality and is congruent with the network experience and track record to date.

Viva has developed 7 solution themes, that different regions are focussing on developing a strategy for:

• Transforming children through education
• Keeping children safe
• Making child trafficking history 
• Resettling children into families
• Unlocking the potential of girls 
• Protecting children in emergencies
• Helping young people thrive

Whilst we do not have all the answers, our networks are building relationships and initiating conversations so that networks can engage with other actors in civil society cities and with relevant authorities so that together they can work towards finding and achieving solutions that positively change the situation for children.

Currently, CRANE our partner network in Uganda is piloting the solution model, holding roundtable discussions and looking to develop a consortium of professionals on the solution theme of resettling children into families. You can read about the first roundtable discussion here.

Not all of our networks are at this stage, but by running collective action programmes that begin to involve organisations outside of the network, they are beginning to work towards this.

Find out more?

You can read stories of our work in different solution areas on our main website and click on the relevant headings along the top.

If you would like to find out more about our family empowerment work, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us on (+44) 1865 811 660 or info@viva.org