The Parenting in Africa Network (PAN) is a network of organizations, individuals, and institutions working to promote skilled parenting practices in Africa. PAN's vision is a society where children are parented and empowered to reach their full potential. Its mission is to address policies and practices affecting African families through specific parenting issues. PAN is committed to research, advocacy, and pilot parenting programs. It focuses on themes like legal advocacy, education and training, research and documentation, and psychosocial support. PAN has a governance structure including a steering committee, country chapters, and a secretariat.
2. GENERAL OVERVIEW OF PAN
Parenting in Africa Network (PAN) consists of
organizations, individuals and institutions keen to
promote skilful parenting practices in Africa, for the
overall wellbeing of children and families.
A majority of active membership is spread across
Eastern and Southern Africa, but we are working
towards gaining ground into North, Central and
West Africa.
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3. VISION / MISSION
Vision
A society where Children are Parented and
Empowered to Reach their Full Potential.
Mission
To facilitate and enable member
organizations address policies and practices
within their communities, through specific
parenting issues that affect African families.
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4. VALUES
Believe in working and learning through mutual
collaboration and a multi-stakeholder approach that is
committed to a similar vision.
Are not afraid to challenge views, practices and
approaches that negatively affect children and impact
on their wellbeing.
Are committed to maintaining high ethical standards,
integrity and transparency to our partners and
member organizations in the network.
Respect and embrace cultures, faiths, traditions and
beliefs that support families to nurture and care for
their children.
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5. COMMITMENT
Acknowledging that parenting is most
important in ensuring child wellbeing
Recognizing that there is a limited source of
credible materials and information on
parenting education and support in Africa,
PAN is committed to provide forums and
platforms for learning and sharing
information regarding parenting with skills,
and knowledge, in order to safeguard
children.
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6. PROGRAMS
Research
Learning and advocacy through partnerships
Pilot evidence based parenting education
programs
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7. STRATEGIES
Documentation and dissemination
Interactive learning and sharing forums
Periodic newsletter
Strategic partnerships
PAN membership structure
Social media
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8. CURRENT ACTIVITIES
1. Developing 2013 annual theme
Adolescents with parenting responsibilities
Round table meetings with country chapter members
Collaboration with universities-KU
2013 regional conference on parenting: Malawi
2. Indigenous knowledge on parenting from African
culture
3. Triple P parenting approach survey and pilot
4. Integrating parenting education and ECD
5. Review of the AU plan of action for the family.
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9. THEMATIC FOCUS
Legal and advocacy – the need for and implementation
of laws and policies that directly address family
strengthening. Activities and programs under the theme
address gaps, highlights successes to bring attention to
the need for family strengthening.
Education and training –informs development and
adaptation of evidence based parenting education
approaches, materials and training manuals. Largely in
collaboration with PAN’s strategic partners and members.
Linking and learning activities will bring together partners
and members for experience sharing and further actions
for pilot programs or adaptation of lessons learned among
members.
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10. CONT…
Research and documentation- this theme is about the
research activities of PAN and is guided by the PAN
research agenda which informs annual/periodic research
activities. Outcomes of research activities contribute a lot
to advocacy efforts in Africa and beyond and ensure PAN
is indeed and authority on parenting support.
Psychosocial support –this theme informs programs
designed/adapted to benefit parents through training and
education. Piloting various approaches for parenting
education and support will progress to scaling up through
partnerships and collaborations with member
organizations
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12. WHY COUNTRY CHAPTERS
Better structure in achieving mission & vision
Interest more organizations for membership
Accelerated advocacy at government levels
More focus to country specific issues
Better coordination of PAN activities
Established as part of governance structure
for the Network–general assembly,
representation at the governing board etc.
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13. BECOME A MEMBER
Regional platform for advocacy for the need for skilful
parenting in Africa
Benefit from information, materials and resources for your
advocacy work
Receive and contribute to the PAN e-newsletter/ PAN website
Contribute to periodic surveys, research & documentaries
Information exchange with other PAN members through the
Parenting Discussion forum.
Participate in PAN conferences, regional events & activities.
Partnership possibilities with members & partners in advocacy of
Skilful Parenting at national & regional levels.
Exposure of your organization’s profile in PAN membership
database
Opportunity to promote your programs, services and vacancies
on PAN’s website- quarterly featured member.
Receive regular updates on parenting issues in Africa.
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