Our work methods

To achieve sustainable improvements in children’s lives and to encourage societies in

which we operate to respect, protect and realise the rights of the child, we use a combination

of four work methods: research and analysis, direct support, knowledge dissemination

and capacity building and advocacy and awareness raising.

All four methods are of equal importance in our work. None of the methods can be

used in isolation. Advocacy and capacity building efforts are always based on practical,

direct experience and/or solid research and analysis. Direct support projects as

well as research and analysis work are always linked to advocacy or capacity building

efforts.

 

Research and analysis

Knowledge about facts and methods is a precondition for being able to wield influence

and make a difference. We base our work on active monitoring and analysis of

developments as well as on current research and practical experience. We also support/

implement surveys and evaluations and studies, as well as develop and test

methods and tools.

 

Direct support

Direct support projects for children at risk are implemented to increase awareness

and knowledge about an issue or in connection with disasters. Such projects should

not involve permanent service delivery but should be limited in time and scope. To

have sustainable effects for a larger group of children, the projects should also have

at least one of these purposes:

• Creating knowledge and developing methods that can be used in our advocacy

work.

• Disseminating children’s own views on their situation and their views on possible

solutions.

• Pursuing cases of principal nature that may lead to reforms of significance for many

children.

• Establishing credibility as a basis for our continued discussion.

 

Knowledge dissemination and capacity-building

Save the Children Sweden helps improve children’s conditions by supporting capacity-building

of strategic key players in areas related to children’s rights and child development,

legislation and policy, methods and approaches to work etc. We facilitate

knowledge dissemination and information sharing and we provide a forum for meetings.

Save the Children Sweden also supports institutional strengthening of key players

including support to our partners in reinforcing their skill as regards organisational

development, planning and evaluation, management and financing. We give

special attention to capacity building of children and youth who want to involve

themselves.

 

Advocacy and awareness raising

Drawing on the knowledge and experience gained from direct support projects

and/or research and analysis, Save the Children Sweden works to influence attitudes

and perceptions in society as well as economic and political decisions. We strive to

influence practices, behaviour and decisions through advocacy and awareness raising

efforts. We support/implement campaigns, offer meeting places and inspire action.

We lobby decision-makers and authorities. We publish facts and report on child

rights violations and demand changes. We develop relationships, facilitate networking

and put forward proposals.