not in institutions like orphanages or children's homes
It takes a village to raise a child
We adopted our name 'It takes a Village Foundation' from the African proverb ‘It takes a village to raise a child’. It emphasizes the importance of a community involvement and support in the upbringing of children.
It is not just the responsibility of parents or immediate family members to nurture and care for children. The entire community should play a role in their development and well-being, from parents to teachers to neighbors and grandparents.
Children thrive better in safe and loving families and communities rather than in institutions like for example orphanages, children's homes, (large) disability centers, and even boarding schools.
It is our mission to raise awareness that children belong in families and to bring them back in families where they belong because did you know that 80% of all children who grow up in an orphanage, have at least one living parent or other family members who can take care of them given the right support? Additionally, over 80 years of research has shown the negative effects of institutional care on children’s growth and development.
It is not enough to be well intentioned, we need to be well informed
Children thrive better in a safe and loving FAMILY setting.
4 pillars
To substantiate our argument that children thrive better and belong in safe and loving families, we use the four cornerstones/pillars of a house as a metaphor:
1. Culture
2. Research
3. Law & Guidelines
4. Theology
Read more about each of the pillars below
Pillar 1
In most countries orphanages or any other forms of institutional care facilities are not part of their original culture. Family is.
However, this family safetynet system this has been weakened by the arrival orphanages. They undoubtedly saved many lives in crisis situations, but they are no longer a suitable model.
Pillar 2
More than 80% of all children growing up in institutions like orphanages, have at least one living parent or other family members who could take care of the child given the right support.
Next to that, more than 80 years of research shows the negative effects of institutional care to children's growth and development.
Pillar 3
Growing up with parents is a child’s right. This is, amongst others, stated in the 'UN Convention on the Rights of the Child'. This Children’s Right Convention is ratified by 196 countries.
Article 9 states that States Parties shall ensure that a child shall not be separated from his or her parents against their will.
Pillar 4
In every religion, the family is the cornerstone of society. And that children belong in families.
This is, for example, explicitly stated in the Bible: "God sets the lonely in families." (Psalm 68:8)Similarly, the Quran describes the family as the cornerstone of society.
children
belong
in
FAMILIES
What we do
Consultancy
We provide guidance and capacity building for organisations and/or governments who want to learn and/or want to make a change from institutional care to family-based care and set up community services and family strengthening.
Are you running an institution or a donor or a volunteer of one? Contact us and let's bring them home.
Presentations
We deliver powerful presentations on the importance of family-based care for children, highlighting the impact of orphanage tourism and the need to transform care systems.
By sharing stories and insights, we advocate for every child's right to grow up in a safe and loving family. Contact us and be part of the change!
Bringing children HOME
It is our dream that all children grow up in a safe and loving family setting. And it takes a village to make that a reality.
We also want this to be a reality for all children who are unnecessarily growing up in an institution.
Are you running an institution or a donor or a volunteer of one? Contact us and let's bring them home.
Dutch NGO pledge 'Every Child A Family'
We initiated the pledge #EveryChildAFamily. Through this pledge several Dutch Private Initiatives declare that family is the place for a child to grow up in. We call on other NGOs, companies, churches and schools to invest in family-oriented care. Children deserve a family home and not an orphanage.
73 private initiatives have already signed the pledge.
Let's bring them home
where they belong
Our team
Monique Derrez
Founder & Chairperson
For many years Monique was a volunteer and donor of several orphanages until she learned that most of these children have families. That is when she became an advocate that children belong in families and not in institutions.
Yvonne Vaes-Lucas
Secretary
Yvonne worked in primary education for more than 45 years. First as a teacher, later as a director. Her passion is giving children the tools to develop in the most balanced way possible, to discover their talents and to guide them to adulthood.
Nini Bos
Treasurer
Nini is head of department at a municipality. In her free time she is an active member of many social projects to bring people together to profit from each other’s talents. Because it takes a village, not only to raise a child but each other.
NEWS
August 13, 2024
Presentation
Probus Prómina
Our chairmen Monique gave a presentation to the members of Probus Prómina Weert.
August 10, 2024
2 years home
and thriving
Update about the boy who we reintegrated back into the loving care of his parents in June 2022. His father keeps us updated with messages and pictures.
June 25, 2024
Article in
Lions Magazine NL
Our chairman Monique gave a presentation to members and their partner of the Lions Club Weert.
February 27, 2024
Presentation
Lions Weert
On request our chairman gave a presentation to members of the Lions Weert and their partners.
September 9, 2023
Presentations
in Nepal
When our chairperson went to Nepal to attent Bicon 2023, a conference on alternative care in Asia, she was asked to a training and a presentation.
June 9, 2022
Stakeholders Meeting Tanzania
100 participants from different organisations attended the meeting/workshop Watoto Kwanza, Swahili for 'Children First'.