Measuring Impact in Time of Crisis - Effective Partnerships

Organization
Language
Contact
Download
ISSA Member: International Step by Step Association ISSA, partners and members, International What happened? Facing an immediate need for culturally relevant reading materials, ISSA partnered with Save the Children and Amazon to distribute Ukrainian-language storybooks to refugee children across Ukraine, Poland, and Romania.   What was needed? How did they respond? Young Ukrainian refugee children needed access to expressive and comforting content that supported early literacy and emotional well-being in their own language. To address this, ISSA’s Reading Corner series (three Ukrainian-language books) was reproduced and distributed in large quantities. Amazon handled printing and logistics, while Save the Children and ISSA’s Members carried out distribution in the field.  Key challenges: Solutions: What's in place? What's missing? This partnership exemplifies how combining unique strengths, educational content, logistical reach, and field presence creates powerful and immediate impact. It also shows why establishing formal channels for such cooperation is critical to ensure continuity of support when emergencies strike.  Being part of a regional network: Advantages of ISSA membership Being part of ISSA enabled this initiative to move from concept to reality in record time by connecting global partners with trusted local members. The network amplified reach, ensured cultural and contextual adaptation, and turned a corporate–civil society partnership into a regional safety net for children. It demonstrates the power of ISSA as a platform where resources, logistics, and expertise converge to protect learning and well-being in emergencies.  Recommendations National policymakers: Governments should facilitate fast-track import and distribution channels for educational materials in refugee languages during crises. By creating contingency protocols and partnerships with publishers and NGOs, they can ensure that culturally relevant books and learning resources reach children quickly and equitably. Local/national actors Local actors can strengthen impact by identifying distribution points (schools, libraries, hubs, refugee centres) and ensuring that Ukrainian-language resources are integrated into daily educational and psychosocial activities. Collaboration with local schools and kindergartens ensures these materials are not only delivered but also used effectively to support children’s emotional and literacy needs.  Private donors Donors and corporate partners can play a critical role by supporting printing, translation, and logistics at scale. Strategic funding can guarantee that every child has access to culturally resonant books, while corporate logistical expertise (such as Amazon’s example) can significantly reduce time and cost in delivery.  Professionals/practitioners Teachers, caregivers, and social workers can use Ukrainian-language storybooks as tools for both literacy development and emotional healing. Storytime activities, group reading, and parental involvement can strengthen the sense of safety and belonging for children navigating displacement, while also bridging them gradually into host country language learning. Explore Further: Amazon, ISSA, and Save the Children partner to distribute story books in Ukrainian | ISSAISSA Member: Partners Hungary Foundation, Hungary   What happened? In February 2022, when Russia invaded…ISSA Member: Trust for Social Achievement and Worldwide Foundation for Vulnerable Children, Bulgaria   **What h…ISSA Member: Step by Step Centre for Education and Professional Development, Romania   What happened? In…

Read more

Supporting families for nurturing care: Training resource package for home visiting practices

This training package equips trainers of home visiting professionals with essential knowledge, skills, and tools to deliver consistent, high-quality pre-service and in-service training.

Developed by UNICEF ECARO and the International Step by Step Association (ISSA), it builds on almost ten years of collaboration and earlier home visiting modules (2017–2025). The goal is to strengthen home visiting as a key community health service supporting families from pregnancy to early childhood.

The package includes three guides: General Overview, Foundational Training, and Extended Training, each offering adaptable materials such as session plans, slides, and handouts based on nurturing and family-centered care.

It combines two main areas: (1) programmatic knowledge on child development, health, nutrition, and parental wellbeing, and (2) practical skills such as communication, relationship building, observation, problem-solving, and cultural responsiveness.

Grounded in adult learning principles, the training encourages reflection, peer learning, and practical application, fostering the professional growth of trainers and home visitors while improving the quality of home visiting services.
 

Trainer Guide: General Overview

 

Trainer Guide: Foundational Training

Day 1   PPT  |  PDF

Day 2   PPT  |  PDF

Day 3   PPT  |  PDF

Day 4   PPT  |  PDF

Day 5   PPT  |  PDF

 

Trainer Guide: Extended Training 

Day 1   PPT  |  PDF

Day 2   PPT  |  PDF

Day 3   PPT  |  PDF

button[src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/694724257114b734f4bb749a/6985cff74ab2bbd98fabe605_SUPPORTING%20FAMILIES%20FOR%20NURTURING%20CARE%20Training%20Resource%20Package%20for%20Home%20Visiting%20Practices_0.pdf"][label="Download the Resource Package"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/teams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-Guide%201.General%20Overview-2.0.pdf"][label="Trainer Guide: General Overview"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/teams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-Guide%202.Foundational%20training-2.0.pdf"][label="Trainer Guide: Foundational Training"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/eams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-FT_2025_PowerPoints_Day_I%20-2.0.pptx"][label="PPT"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/teams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-FT_2025_PowerPoints_Day_I%20-2.0.pdf"][label="PDF"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/eams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-FT%202025_PowerPoints_Day%20II-2.0.pptx"][label="PPT"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/teams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-FT%202025_PowerPoints_Day%20II-2.0.pdf"][label="PDF"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/eams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-FT%202025_PowerPoints_Day%20III-2.0.pptx"][label="PPT"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/teams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-FT%202025_PowerPoints_Day%20III-2.0.pdf"][label="PDF"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/eams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-FT%202025_PowerPoints_Day%20IV-2.0.pptx"][label="PPT"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/teams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-FT%202025_PowerPoints_Day%20IV-2.0.pdf"][label="PDF"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/eams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-FT%202025_PowerPoints_Day%20V-2.0.pptx"][label="PPT"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/teams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-FT%202025_PowerPoints_Day%20V-2.0.pdf"][label="PDF"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/teams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-Guide%203.Extended%20training-2.0.pdf"][label="Trainer Guide: Extended Training"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/eams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-ET%20Day%20I-2.0.pptx"][label="PPT"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/teams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-ET%20Day%20I-2.0.pdf"][label="PDF"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/eams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-ET_Day%20II%20merged-2.0.pptx"][label="PPT"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/teams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-ET_Day%20II%20merge-2.0.pdf"][label="PDF"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/eams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-ET_Day%20III%20merged-2.0.pptx"][label="PPT"] button[src="https://clearinghouse.unicef.org/sites/ch/files/ch/teams-ECARO-Planning-ECA%20Knowledge%20at%20UNICEF-ET_Day%20III%20merge-2.0.pdf"][label="PDF"]
Read more +

Published in:

2025

Organization(s):

ISSA, UNICEF ECARO

Language:

English
,

Contact:

Ayca Alayli, aalayli@issa.nl

Read more +

State of Southern European Fathers 2024: Building Evidence for Engaging Men in Nurturing Care in Italy, Portugal, and Spain

Engaging Men and Promoting Positive Gender Norms in Early Childhood
,

The State of Southern European Fathers 2024 report, developed under the EMiNC initiative, explores fathers’ involvement in caregiving across Italy, Portugal, and Spain. While many men report active participation in daily care, a significant perception gap remains: 74% of fathers believe caregiving is equally shared, but only 51% of mothers agree. The findings show that mothers still carry the greater caregiving and household burden, often at the expense of their well-being and professional opportunities. At the same time, the report highlights the vital role fathers play in children’s development—greater involvement is linked to stronger emotional bonds, improved learning outcomes, and better long-term well-being for children.

Yet barriers persist: rigid workplace cultures, limited access to paid leave, and lack of affordable, quality childcare constrain men’s ability to participate equally. The report calls for robust policy reforms—such as fully paid, non-transferable leave for fathers—and investments in early childhood services that actively engage men. Public campaigns and local peer support networks are also essential to shift norms and expectations. Promoting men’s caregiving is not only a matter of gender equality, it is a key strategy to ensure all children thrive from the very start.

The report, developed under the EMiNC initiative, explores fathers’ involvement in caregiving across Italy, Portugal, and Spain. While many men report active participation in daily care, a significant perception gap remains: 74% of fathers believe caregiving is equally shared, but only 51% of mothers agree. The findings show that mothers still carry the greater caregiving and household burden, often at the expense of their well-being and professional opportunities. At the same time, the report highlights the vital role fathers play in children’s development—greater involvement is linked to stronger emotional bonds, improved learning outcomes, and better long-term well-being for children.Yet barriers persist: rigid workplace cultures, limited access to paid leave, and lack of affordable, quality childcare constrain men’s ability to participate equally. The report calls for robust policy reforms—such as fully paid, non-transferable leave for fathers—and investments in early childhood services that actively engage men. Public campaigns and local peer support networks are also essential to shift norms and expectations. Promoting men’s caregiving is not only a matter of gender equality, it is a key strategy to ensure all children thrive from the very start.

button[src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/694724257114b734f4bb749a/6985cfd8a00c77551ab945be_SoF%20Report%20Updated_Sept2025.pdf"][label="Download in English"]
Read more +

Published in:

2025

Organization(s):

ISSA

Language:

English
,
Read more +

Module 3: Nutrition for Infants and Young Children

family
,
child health
,
home visiting
,
parenting support
,

The Module 3 ‘Nutrition for Infants and Young Children’ is intended to support home visitors and other health professionals in providing advice and support to parents and families on infant and young child nutrition. It includes three modules:

Module 3a: ‘Breastfeeding’

Module 3b: ‘Introducing Complementary Foods’

Module 3c: ‘Nutrition of Children Aged 2-6 Years’

You can access the whole package here

 

button[src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/694724257114b734f4bb749a/6985cf735eb0b715b71d6271_3a.Nutrition-BreastfeedingNEWBORN-ENG-WEB.pdf"][label="Download 3a. Breastfeeding"] button[src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/694724257114b734f4bb749a/6985cf743139d7275e743a0a_3b.Nutrition-InfantYoungChild-ENG-WEB.pdf"][label="Download 3b. Introducing Complementary Foods"] button[src="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/694724257114b734f4bb749a/6985cf766ca73e3f96db4776_3c.Nutrition-YoungChild2-6-ENG.pdf"][label="Download 3c. Nutrition of Children Aged 2-6 Years"]
Read more +

Published in:

2025

Organization(s):

UNICEF ECARO & ISSA

Language:

English
,
Read more +
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.