Two-Generation Programming in Humanitarian Settings

Group Submission Type: Formal Panel Session

Proposal

Recent global estimates suggest that approximately 25 percent of children aged 3 – 4 years are receiving minimally adequate nurturing care, defined as have access to key inputs in the areas of nutrition, health, early learning, responsive caregiving, and safety/security. These data suggest that, globally, families are struggling to make ends meet and provide their children with the key inputs needed to achieve their full potential. Inequalities in access to nurturing care are large within and across countries, with children living in the poorest countries and households being least likely to receive adequate nurturing care.

In 2019, more than 71 million children under the age of 5 had spent their entire lives in conflict-affected settings. High levels of parental stress coupled with limited opportunities for high quality and equitable early learning threaten both the immediate and long-term health and well-being of young children and may have lasting detrimental effects on the societies in which they live. One of the most important protective factors for young children living in conflict-affected areas is having a responsive relationship with a caregiver. Thus, supporting caregivers and their relationships with children is an important strategy for improving early childhood development in fragile or conflict-affected contexts.

Two-generation programs offer a promising approach by simultaneously addressing the needs of children and their adult caregivers to generate outcomes effectively and efficiently for both children and their parents. This is particularly important in humanitarian settings where needs are exacerbated, yet critical resources such as time, space and funding are scarce. Three core components of two-generations approaches include high-quality education for children and postsecondary education or skill training for adults, economic supports (e.g., cash transfers), and social capital and networks that build bonds and resilience within communities. Parenting programs have become some of the most popular two-generation interventions as they already typically include outcomes for adults and children. While the general principles of two-generation approaches are commonly agreed-upon, programs vary widely in their entry points and integration of other sectors for adult outcomes. Questions abound regarding which outcomes areas to focus on for adults, how to structure the programs, and how to measure success.

Research has demonstrated positive effects of two-generation approaches on child outcomes and parenting practices. However, evidence on the effectiveness of these programs on other outcomes related to caregivers is scarce. Further, even less evidence is available about the effectiveness of two-generations programs in humanitarian settings. This panel will contribute to the evidence by sharing emerging evidence from two-generation approaches implemented in humanitarian settings in Uganda and Ecuador.

Sub Unit

• Early Childhood Development SIG

Chair

• Devon McLorg, BRAC

Individual Presentations

• Manos Que Cuidan: Two-Generation ECD and Economic Recovery Programming for Venezuelan Migrants in Ecuador - Gabriela Pena, IRC; Katelin Wilton, Save the Children; Catherine Alayon, International Rescue Committee

• Two-Generation ECD and Ultra-Poor Graduation Program for Refugee and Host Communities in Northern Uganda - Devon McLorg, BRAC