Final evaluation of the children and war project : a program of Save the Children Federation (USA)

The program"s impact was remarkable; C&W registered more than 16,798 unaccompanied children, identified more than 17,804, and reunited with their parents/relatives or places in substitute families more than 9,679 children. A major factor in C&W"s success was its empowerment of local people to carry out DTR in their communities through short-term training courses and the establishment of community networks. The community-based approach also promoted the negotiation of reunification with both children and families, sometimes involving local authorities, traditional healers, and others, and it ensured awareness of the importance of social and cultural practices (religious and traditional rituals) in the reunification process. The program made a significant effort to establish a follow-up system for reunified children and those placed in substitute families. C&W staff and members of community networks visited households regularly, offering "reunification kits" containing basic products (e.g., rice, sugar, soap), ensuring access to school and supplying basic school materials, organizing recreational activities, and even developing productive income for youngsters (especially former boy soldiers). C&W managed to develop the DTR program with minimal expatriate personnel, who trained and advised nationals. Its access to airplanes, helicopters, 4x4 vehicles, and modern office equipment proved extremely important, making reunification possible in times of war and in the most remote areas of the country. Working relationships with other institutions involved in DTR were established, and although coordination and information sharing were sometimes minimal, the program was able to implement DTR in RENAMO base camps throughout the country. The program also created a data base on unaccompanied children in the areas where it worked. The program teaches important lessons about community involvement and the need for follow-up assistance in DTR programs. The community networks, while fundamental to the program, have had their own difficulties and problems. There was a large member drop-out; some think there should have been some kind of reward for participating. Another issue arose with one community network whose members all belonged to a specific church; many children were compelled to join this church. In another community, a volunteer collected money and then disappeared. In sum, the composition of the networks and the particular motivations of the members can sometimes provide guidance to network development activities. Even more attention to follow-up is needed. It is vital to identify clearly what kind of assistance is needed and what kind C&W can supply; to recognize needs created by the extreme poverty in the country; to establish mechanisms to enable community networks to channel specific types of assistance; and at the same time to take care that follow-up assistance does not perpetuate dependency. Finally, the C&W program teaches the need for (1) improved coordination with the Mozambican government and other agencies; and (2) continued attention to the anthropological and psychological factors related to the reunification and socialization of war-affected children.