How upstream solutions to prevent orphanhood and instill child resiliency become the better strategies.

Practices naturally changed over time in response to emerging needs, local leadership, strategic priorities, available resources, and organizational learning.

There were a number of programs that grew naturally from the ethics of helping children – including other war-affected children in Sierra Leone. These included access to basic education, health, and nutrition, advanced educational scholarship, economic opportunity and job training, and maternal and child health services.

Consequently, by the time we began the shift to care reform advocacy, we had already grown into an alliance that recognized upstream solutions could prevent family separation and reduce the need for orphanages.

The upstream solutions of health systems strengthening and economic empowerment have proven to be excellent vehicles for expanded collaborations and coalition building that yields greater impacts for every dollar we raise and spend.