Creating an
Ecosystem of Help and Hope for Women & Children
Making the Case:
Building a Social Support Net for Children in Africa
Social welfare support in Africa, as in most developing countries, can be described as non-existent but according to UNICEF, Social Support Nets (SSNs) are a main policy tool to address poverty and vulnerability. They also show that there is substantial evidence demonstrating positive effects on children’s health and human capital.
In the 2017 study*1, the organisation was able to show evidence of the linkages between non-contributory SSNs and the experience of childhood emotional, physical and sexual violence in low- and middle-income countries.
At African Babies, in quantitative comparative studies undertaken at different intervals over the last 15 years we have made several observations and evidence point to the impact of the absence of a Social Support Net on the future outcomes of a child’s psychological and emotional development over the years.
*1 - Understanding the linkages between social safety nets and childhood violence: a review of the evidence from low- and middle-income countries
Observed common social issues during the child’s early years that can have lasting impact on a child’s future outcome:
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Mothers’ emotional health and stress levels
Complications during pregnancy
Lack of awareness about the child’s development
Extreme poverty and access to nutritional support
Adequate support and education on the needs of children with special need
Social issues to include molestation, rape, sexual abuse
Lack of proper communication
Limited communication with the child in early years
Absence of empathy toward the child
Wars, violence and tragedies
Gender inequality or gender acceptance
Closed-minded reactions to social illnesses that are normally treatable
Observed outcomes in later lives have included:
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Mothers’ emotional health and stress levels
Complications during pregnancy
Lack of awareness about the child’s development
Extreme poverty and access to nutritional support
Adequate support and education on the needs of children with special need
Social issues to include molestation, rape, sexual abuse
Lack of proper communication
Limited communication with the child in early years
Absence of empathy toward the child
Wars, violence and tragedies
Gender inequality or gender acceptance
Closed-minded reactions to social illnesses that are normally treatable
At African Babies we have observed the stark difference that a level of social support, training and care can make with children brought up in a more positive environment. These group of children have displayed a more positive outlook and satisfaction with life.
