International Childcare Trust (ICT) believes that all children, regardless of socio-economic background, have the right to enjoy their childhood and reach their potential. We partner with NGOs in Africa and Asia - managed and staffed by local people - that protect children’s rights; in particular, organisations that address both the causes and effects of child poverty.
The problem
The need to protect the rights of some of the world’s poorest and most marginalised children is vast. Hundreds of thousands of children throughout the world have lost their parents to AIDS, suffer from ill-health and malnutrition, or have been forced to flee their homes due to natural disaster, armed conflict, violence and family breakdown. Others may find themselves pushed to the margins of society due to the stigma and discrimination associated with having a disability. Many of these children find themselves living in refugee camps, squalid slums or on the streets where they are vulnerable to harassment, abuse, exploitation and premature death.
Our approach
ICT believes that local NGOs are best placed to respond to the needs of these children. There are many local NGOs across Africa and Asia, which are extremely dedicated but lack adequate resources to be fully effective. ICT therefore develops partnerships for up to 15 years with local child-focused NGOs in Africa and Asia with the aim of supporting them to grow into strong, sustainable organisations that can make meaningful and lasting change to the lives of vulnerable children. We collaborate with other NGOs and civil society to ensure there is no duplication of work and that our efforts are complementary.
What makes us different?
- All our partners are independent of ICT and are managed and staffed by local people.
- We support grassroots NGOs at the early stages of their development, enabling them to fully achieve their potential.
- We focus on the sustainability of our partners by investing in their organisational development.
- We encourage full participation of children, families and communities in all decisions that shape the programmes we support.
- We focus on rural areas, towns and secondary cities, where there are greater opportunities for a preventive approach and fewer international NGOs already operating.
- We encourage intra-learning by connecting all our partners through an Annual Consultation Meeting and exchange visits.
- We only deduct 5% for our own admin costs from the grants we secure.