DCOF Quarterly Progress Report for Ishema Mu Muryango (‘Pride for the Family’) Project

The project, led by CHF International, aims to promote family-based care for children in Rwanda. Initial child assessments were completed for 296 children, exceeding the target of 241. The assessments gathered data on children's identity, backgrounds, level of education, health status, self-help skills, and socialization. Family tracing and assessment were conducted for 201 families, with individual care and development plans developed for each family. A total of 101 children and their families were prepared for transition from institutional care to family-based care, with priority given to birth and extended families. During the quarter, 32 children aged 0-17 years and 6 children above 18 years were reintegrated with their birth families. Twenty-six children aged 0-17 years and 1 child above 18 years were reintegrated with their extended families. Four children under 17 years were placed in foster care, and 2 children under 17 years were placed in kinship care. Six children under 17 years are undergoing the adoption process, and 24 young adults are in independent living. The family resilience assessment was conducted to inform the linkage and development of community-based services for families that received children. This assessment was conducted using the family resilience form with the help of professionals, including psychologists and social workers. Five children who were abandoned were prevented from institutionalization and were reunited with their birth families. Training sessions were conducted for 28 NCC professionals in collaboration with Tulane University, supporting the implementation of deinstitutionalization and the national child care reform. Additionally, the IMM Psychosocial Program Officer and three staff members in charge of gender and family promotion in three districts were trained. The project team encountered no major obstacles during the quarter. However, they were able to access Home of Hope, a challenging institution, through smooth discussions and constant visits. A ceremony was organized by the National Commission for Children, which was attended by high-level officials and the First Lady, Mrs. Jeannette Kagame. The project's activity status compared to the agreed-to work plan shows that all activities were achieved, with some exceeding the targets. The initial child assessment was overachieved at 123%, family tracing and assessment was achieved at 201%, and preparing children and their families for transition was achieved at 119%. The project is ahead of schedule, and no changes to the work plan are proposed. The project did not result in any printed materials, training events, or web page development that required the application of the USAID logo or brandmark. The project team did not receive an approved Negative Determination with Conditions status, so environmental compliance is not applicable.