Family Strengthening Programme

 Launched in Burundi in 2004, the Family Strengthening Programme supports families in situations of vulnerability to prevent the separation of children from their families. 

 

 

 

Family strengthening: Supporting families in situations of vulnerability

Today, 1 in 10 children and young people are separated from their families, abandoned, neglected or forced to live in an abusive environment, growing up without the support they need to prepare them for their future. 

Due to challenging circumstances, parents/families struggle to provide their children with a loving and stable home.

 

Initially implemented in communities surrounding SOS Children’s Villages locations, the programme aimed to prevent the separation of children from their families and strengthen families’ capacities to care for and protect their children within a safe home environment. 

Family Strengthening has currently evolved into an integrated child protection approach that addresses the root causes placing children at risk of losing parental care. The programme supports families in situations of vulnerability to prevent child–family separation and promote children’s rights.

By addressing socio-economic challenges and strengthening parenting capacities, it helps families remain together and provide a stable, protective, and nurturing environment for their children. 

Support is delivered through: 

  • Parenting education and positive caregiving practices 

  • Community savings and credit associations 

  • Income-generating Activities

  • School-based awareness activities 

  • Community child protection mechanisms 

The   Family Strengthening Programme operates in Bujumbura, Rutana, Muyinga, Gitega and Cibitoke. Implementation is carried out in close collaboration with local authorities, civil society organizations, community-based structures, decentralised government services, and other partners. 

The programme focuses on four main objectives: 

  1. Strengthening the economic and social resilience of families in situations of vulnerability 

  1. Preventing the separation of children from their families 

  1. Improving living conditions and access to education for children 

  1. Strengthening community-based child protection systems 

 

A Complementary Approach: DFE and CFE

Within the Family Strengthening Programme, Direct Family Empowerment (DFE) and Community Empowerment for Families (CFE) are often implemented simultaneously.

A family may:

  • Receive individualised direct support through DFE
  • Participate in a community savings group supported through CFE

By combining targeted household support with broader community mobilisation, SOS Children’s Villages strengthens both families and local systems. This integrated approach ensures that children can grow up in safe, stable, and protective family environments.

Our Impact Since 2004

Since its launch , the Family Strengthening Programme has supported:

  • 20,545 families in situations of vulnerability
  • 74,058 children at risk of losing parental care

Through sustained partnerships and community engagement, SOS Children’s Villages in Burundi continues to work towards a future where every child grows up with the bonds and protection they need to become their strongest self.Haut du formulaire

 

 

Children need families

Some families separate because of economic hardship, death of one or both parents and unstable relationships between the parents. The absence of a stable, protective family exposes children to multiple risk factors and makes them vulnerable to neglect, abuse, discrimination and exploitation. Families break up for different reasons. Children are always the ones who suffer. That is why our help for children and young people has many faces. This also includes relieving, strengthening and supporting families - before they break up.

Working with communities

Each child and each family is part of a community. We work with partners to develop strong social support systems for children and families to develop, grow and learn in a positive, supportive environment. Our allies include community-based organisations, local authorities and governments. Together we build resilience in vulnerable families.

Our help

SOS Children's Villages runs  Family Strengthening Programmes in its five programme locations supporting families in need in Burundi. We take action to empower parents, families and communities to fight poverty and empower parents to become self-reliant to care for their children.

Since 2004, SOS Children's Villages in Burundi has supported:

  • 20,545 families in situations of vulnerability 

  • 74,058 children at risk of losing parental care 

Health

Access to nutritional assistance, secure their basic needs and promote access to healthcare to keep children and families healthy. 

Training

Training and equipping parents to earn an income and create a stable home. Ensuring access to education for girls and boys, including school fees, school uniforms, study materials, tutoring and after-school help. 

Advisory

Coaching in parenting and household management skills, coaching and further training in the areas of education, housekeeping and violence prevention. 

Income

Advice and education, training, further education for parents to create a sustainable livelihood.