Scaling parenting programmes: GPI and Partners share insights at the SVRI Forum on overcoming challenges and maximising impact

The GPI together with some of its partners concluded the #SVRIForum2024 with a scaling workshop titled "Scaling Up of (Parenting) Interventions: A Community of Practice Shared Learning Event”. The event provided an in-depth exploration of scaling parenting programmes, with a focus on overcoming challenges and maximising impact in various contexts. The speakers highlighted the progress, barriers, and strategies in scaling efforts, especially in reaching underserved populations.

Jamie Lachman from GPI, elaborated on the achievements in scaling outputs and impacts across GPI initiatives. He addressed the difficulties in ending child sexual abuse, reaching rural communities, and expanding programs in areas with limited technological infrastructure. Jamie underscored the importance of creating a global framework to reach those in need, emphasising that GPI's programmes are designed to be adaptive and accessible to different communities. He also highlighted the value of play in children’s development and noted the cost, time, and logistical challenges in scaling. Despite these hurdles, the initiative strives to maintain a high level of impact while reaching a broader audience.

Saara Thakur, MPH discussed the "GPI way" of scaling, which focuses on increasing reach while ensuring high impact and long-term sustainability. She emphasised the need to balance rapid expansion with quality, citing time constraints and slow government engagement as key challenges.

Representatives from Makerere University , including Godfrey Siu, Betty Okot, Harriet Namulondo , Albert Asiimwe, and Charles okello , shared insights on the Parenting for Respectability programme. Godfrey explained how the program integrates gender-based violence prevention, caregiving practices, and behaviour change to promote family respectability. The initiative supports both parental couples and single parents, actively mobilising mothers and fathers. Godfrey emphasised that the programme has been well-received, with a significant positive impact on participants.

Betty Okot pointed out that scaling efforts are resource-intensive, while Albert Asiimwe and Harriet Namulondo discussed the role of community radio in disseminating information during the scaling process. Charles okello presented the programmme’s initial lack of a disability inclusion component, stressing the need to incorporate strategies for parenting children with disabilities.

Advocate Tarisai Mchuchu-MacMillan of Mosaic reflected on scaling the court support and family strengthening programmes, describing how their organisation tackled obstacles to ensure programme quality during expansion.

Amy Cuffley from Spring Impact demystified the process of scaling non-profit initiatives, drawing on their partnerships with Makerere University and Mosaic. She explained the significance of media, like community radio, in reaching target populations and shared valuable insights on the role of strategic partnerships in facilitating scale.

The event concluded with a Q&A session, which allowed for further discussion on overcoming scaling barriers, engaging governments, and ensuring inclusivity, particularly for children with disabilities. This interactive session highlighted the ongoing efforts to create scalable, adaptable, and impactful programmes that meet the needs of diverse communities.