partnering

definition: a person who takes part in an undertaking with another or others

ICARA as an organization does not work solo. Our focus is equipping African caregivers, teachers, social workers, counselors, and organizations in communities to better care for the orphaned and vulnerable children (OVCs) in their midst. Partnering, to us, means coming alongside organizations on the ground to support their caregiving of OVCs in very difficult, challenging circumstances. We have ideas, research, counseling experience, and interventions to share, and those on the ground have experience, their own and the children's stories, and incredible knowledge and wisdom regarding the social contexts in which the children live, to share. Together, we partner to train in ways that are Africa-centered, culturally competent, and appropriate to their unique contexts, with give and take as we learn from each other. 

While our partnerships are not financial (or legal), both ICARA and the organizations on the ground make contributions to the mission of trauma-informed care of the children. ICARA funds go toward the training expenses of the organization, including travel, curriculum publishing, PR and fundraising, and salary.  In Africa, our partners often provide the venue, meals, and transport for staff (and sometimes lodging). We have partnered with organizations in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho, Malawi, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Ethiopia, and hope to develop partnerships in other countries as well.