These committees play a critical role in promoting accountability, strengthening child protection systems, and ensuring that livelihood support provided to caregivers translates into improved well-being for children. By placing responsibility within the community, these structures foster ownership, transparency, and long-term sustainability of project outcomes.
During recent community engagements, these committees were formally introduced to chiefs, elders, caregivers, and other community members. This process was essential in building trust, clarifying roles, and securing the commitment of all stakeholders to support and work with the committees.
The established committees include:
· Business Advisory Committee: Responsible for supporting and monitoring caregivers’ income-generating activities, promoting responsible use of livelihood grants, and guiding caregivers to sustain and grow their businesses.
· Community-Based Child Protection Committee (CBCPC): Tasked with identifying and addressing child protection concerns within the community, supporting referrals, and ensuring children grow up in safe and protective environments.
· Disciplinary Committee: Responsible for maintaining accountability within the programme by addressing issues related to misuse of support, resolving conflicts, and reinforcing agreed community standards.
Following the introduction of these committees, community members were further engaged to review the progress of Income Generating Activities (IGAs) under the project’s livelihood component. Many caregivers shared how these activities are helping them provide for their children, support their education, and improve household stability.
Through this integrated approach combining strong community structures with livelihood support, communities are increasingly taking an active role in protecting children and strengthening families.
Friends of Adaklu continues to work closely with traditional authorities, caregivers, and these committees to build resilient, community-led systems that promote child protection, sustainable livelihoods, and shared responsibility for the welfare of children.