INVESTING IN SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS

INTEGRATION OF CARE GROUP AND SAVINGS-LED EMPOWERMENT MODEL

Carolyn Kruger, Ph.D.Sr. Advisor, MNCHPCIApril 23, 2013

TOPS Small Grant Opportunity: Liberia LAUNCH(Liberian Agricultural Upgrading Nutritional and Child Health)

Innovation in Social and Behavior Change in Food Security and Nutrition Programming

Integration of the Care Group MCHN BCC Model with the GROW Social and Economic Development Model:

Synergies in Food and Nutrition Security Programming

Opportunity to expand the

Traditional Care Groups with GROW

methodology to West Africa

Opportunity to conduct operational

research, show leadership in implementing savings groups within different

contexts, as well as the immense

impact of integrated strategies

“Grass Roots Building our Own Wealth”

An approach to community mobilization and development that aims to empower vulnerable populations socially, economically, and politically. Local Community Facilitators organize and capacitate self-managed savings groups focused on building the economic AND social capital of members

Combines best practices in savings group models Unique aspects that intentionally build social

capital of members/communities Remarkable preliminary results in reduced

poverty and perceived helplessness among poor women caregivers

What is the GROW Model?

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE GROW MODEL:

Primarily targets women

Self-generated resources

Rotational leadership

Members have similar socio-economic status

Self-managed

Platform for development of social capital

Structure

Traditional Care Group Structure Integrated GROW Groups

Results

• Improved MNCH Behavior Change• Improved Social

Economic Capital

Improved Health and Livelihood

Security

Key Challenges

1. Time burden - monitor time burden that women face participating in both models.

2. Staff capacity to implement both models together.

3. Determining multiple benefits from implementing two models together (comparison analysis will be conducted).

INVESTING IN SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS

Sustainable: Target programs that change lives now and for future generations

Cost Effective: Engage communities and families in solutions

Leverage: Achieve multiplier effect by leveraging grant funding with increased private support

Thank You