Mothers' Union Parenting Programme (Worldwide)

After the success of the UK and Ireland programme, which first began in 2000, it soon became apparent that the positive impact could easily be replicated worldwide. Many members all over the world identified a need for the programme within their own communities.

When did the programme reach worldwide?
The programme first began expansion overseas in 2003, when the province of Australia saw potential to develop the programme through their own Mothers' Union dioceses. The trend continued early 2005, with Mothers' Union Parenting Programme (Worldwide) being piloted in six different countries; Guyana, Jamaica, Kenya, Rwanda, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uganda. The programme was tailored in each case to take into consideration local needs and available resources.

Implementation
The programme is based on a volunteer ethos, which includes sensitisation of programme methodology through local structures and an invitation for participation. Interested communities then elect a volunteer participant for the specific facilitator's training. Steering committees, which often include the traditional leader and/or priest, are formed locally, providing support and guidance to the facilitator. This process ensures full community ownership and allows for successful replication and continued expansion of the programme, with minimum external intervention.

Impact
Once the facilitator has been trained, groups are formed within their community. Groups would then usually be guided through sessions that last between 8-12 weeks covering the highs and lows of parenting, the parent-child relationship and discussing sensitive issues. In many cultures, issues such as early marriage, child abuse and female genital mutilation are deemed inappropriate to discuss or even taboo within society. Facilitators work to break down the barriers and traditional beliefs that may be harmful to children within families and communities. Topics covered in a parenting group range from the development stages of the child to discussion surrounding teenagers and other areas such as domestic violence.

Mothers' Union Parenting Programme empowers individuals and brings together communities from varying ethnicities and backgrounds in order to overcome common problems collectively.

"Since parenting has begun, there has been bonding and talking in the community, we are confident the community are closer and if clashes were to break out again, these communities would no longer be affected" St. Emanuel, Kibera Slum, Community Member. KENYA, Aug 2008.

Our dedicated and highly motivated network of voluntary facilitators are key to the programme's success all around the world.

"From darkness imparted knowledge, and in came the light...it is hoped that the light continues to shine...being able to make a positive difference in the lives of our young people" Carolyn King, Facilitator. TRINIDAD, Jun 2008.

Future
The successful completion of the pilot phase has since enabled the Parenting Programme to expand and replicate to new communities, dioceses and provinces worldwide, such as Barbados and Canada. The next phase is looking to further support collective ownership, whilst building capacity and developing post-parenting group elements of the programme.

Contact details:
For further information about Mothers' Union Parenting Programme (Worldwide) please contact:
Mothers' Union
24 Tufton Street
London
SW1P 3RB

Tel 0207 222 5533
Fax 0207 227 9731
Email worldwide@themothersunion.org