“I walk into homes with nothing in them, no furniture and hardly any food,” says one of GCF’s community workers. Her team has begun assessing new at-risk families we have not worked with before, to see if they qualify for our “Parenting 4 Life” programme. Families finding themselves at risk are often facing a range of challenging circumstances. These often include unemployment, violence, substance abuse, single-parenthood, mental illness and/or teenage pregnancy.

GCF is deeply aware of the many families nearby who are struggling, some in severe ways. The need for extra support is clear, and our focus on strengthening families is crucial for children’s well-being and development. Strong families contribute to stronger communities, and by supporting them now, we are helping build a better tomorrow for everyone. The last thing we want is to see families break down and children end up growing up in institutions.

For a long time, our community workers have attended the local war rooms. These regular meetings at ward level bring together representatives from the health sector, the police, social services, traditional leaders, and other key community members to discuss and address social issues. Through these meetings, the GCF community workers now have access to families who urgently need assistance.

Distressed parents often feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn, which can lead them to leave their situations unresolved, sometimes making things worse. However, when certain issues are addressed, parents may become more prepared and open to learning and growth.

The current assessments are conducted in the families’ homes and include evaluations of factors that may put them at risk. If they have enough risk factors, they are included in the programme, which is funded for one hundred families. The next step is to provide tailored services, which might include applying for an ID document or a government grant, addressing child protection issues, ensuring food security, and more. Once these services are underway or completed, families will join our parenting training and support groups.

GCF’s goal is not only to provide immediate help but also to drive lasting change. By addressing urgent needs and offering ongoing support through our “Parenting 4 Life” programme, we strive to empower families to overcome their challenges and build a more stable future.

Written by Anna-Karin Öhrnstedt