Parenting Challenge officially recognized

The Parenting Challenge of Help a Child is officially recognized as a national reference approach in Burundi. This major milestone stems from a need expressed by the Ministry of National Solidarity, Social Affairs, Human Rights, and Gender, through its department responsible for children and families, to establish a national framework to promote positive parenting practices. Recognizing the importance of such a tool in strengthening the well-being of children and families, Help a Child took the initiative to support the Ministry in developing a national harmonised positive parenting module.

The approach focused on adapting and harmonising the Parenting Challenge methodology to fit the Burundian context, while also drawing from existing tools and resources available in the country. Help a Child built synergy with SOS Village d’Enfants, which is currently funded by the European Union Delegation in Burundi, to implement a child-focused project, for technical and financial support for developing the national harmonised parenting module.

The process was highly participatory, involving key stakeholders from the child protection sector. This multisectoral collaboration led to the creation of a document that is coherent, contextually relevant, and consistent with the original Help a Child’s Parenting Challenge approach.

This new national tool is expected to strengthen parenting skills, promote a safe and nurturing family environment, and ultimately support the holistic development of children in Burundi.