Sustainability infographic

Child well-being

Sustainability

Improvements become the norm and do not need external support to continue. "The ability to maintain and improve on outcomes and goals achieved for children with external support, after that support has ended."

Sustain-ability

Drivers of Sustainability

Sustained outcomes

Contextual factors

DRIVERS OF SUSTAINABILITY

Ownership

Local communities are actively leading their development journey, and girls, boys (including those with disability), families and communities, believe in their ability to address challenges and take opportunities using their own knowledge and resources.

Sustained Outcomes

Programme measurably improves outcomes for children and improvements are sustained for a period of time. There is a difference between “sustained outcomes” and the “ability” to sustain them into the future. Projects and programmes are not expected to continue in their entirety after WV resources are withdrawn, but evidence of outcome-related benefits should still be seen for acceptable periods of time after a programme closes.

Contextual factors may work against sustainability

We recognise that the deep changes that lead to transformational impact and sustainability of impact are not equally possible in every situation. Field offices and programme teams face a "global crisis that threatens progress for children, aggravating deep-rooted poverty and increasing inequality and discrimination." [UNICEF]

Sustain-ability

Key stakeholders in the ecosystem of children are still acting to maintain and improve child well-being. Every child lives within a relational “ecosystem” of family, community, civil society, faith communities, businesses and government. All have potential roles in working positively for child well-being. At the heart of our programme are the TD principles, which are linked directly to five Drivers of Sustainability. These evidence-based drivers can be adapted and applied across the humanitarian, development and peace nexus.

Drivers of Sustainability

Like the “roots” of the tree in this picture, the Drivers of Sustainability increase the likelihood that the “fruit” of better outcomes for children will be sustained. They are an evidence-based package of interventions which are prioritised throughout the life of a programme, so that it is progressively strengthening sustainability.

DRIVERS OF SUSTAINABILITY

Partnering

Local organisations across the sectors (including civil society groups, churches, other faith groups, and local community groups) are well led, have the resilience, resources, networks and the capability to work accountably and effectively together.

DRIVERS OF SUSTAINABILITY

Transformed Relationships

Unhelpful social norms, values and behaviours are changing. Children are valued and cared for from birth irrespective of gender, ethnicity or ability. Families and communities are safer, more peaceful and protective. Women and vulnerable groups access decision making structures, resources and services.

DRIVERS OF SUSTAINABILITY

Social Accountability

Citizens have the confidence and skills to raise their voices, assert their rights with decision-makers, and hold duty-bearers and institutions accountable for improved service delivery and policy implementation; as a result contributing towards the institutionalization of transparency and accountability.

DRIVERS OF SUSTAINABILITY

Household and family resilience

Children and families have more emotional, spiritual and financial resources. Vulnerable children and households are able to increase and diversify income, build assets and access to public safety nets. Households, communities and public bodies also identify and manage risks, adapt to changes in context, absorb shocks and care for the natural environment.