Louis Malajira is an ICDP certified Trainer from Malawi, who has been training caregivers and facilitators since 2009. His work was supported by the Norwegian Church Aid (NCA).
From the 22nd to the 25th of June 2026, Louis and his colleagues conducted an ICDP training for caregivers in Mangochi. It was organized by NCA with their partner MEJN.
Louis shared photos from this event:
On the photo above: Group work on guideline 1, writing down ways you can show love to your child
On the photo below: Role play on guidelines 4, giving praise and acknowledgment
Anna Baranowska reports from the Gdansk Centre for Health Promotion and Addiction Prevention (GOPZiPU):
It was a great pleasure for us to lead the ICDP workshops.We had two groups—preschool teachers, elementary school teachers, and caregivers at childcare and educational facilities— as well as two online groups (Lidia’s and Iza’s groups).
We promoted the ICDP Course during the conference “Parents and Teachers on the Front Lines of Support.” Past events included conferences at schools for parents and teachers.
On 21st of May 21 and on the 9th of June 9, 2026, a total of 104 people participated in these events.
We plan to have four groups starting in September 2026, including two online groups for daycare center staff in Gdańsk, and two groups for preschool and early elementary school teachers.
Save the Children International (SCI) is an independent organization that is a leader in the promotion and protection of children’s rights around the world. Our mission is to inspire real change in the way the world treats children and achieve immediate and lasting change in children’s lives; And our vision is a world where every child realizes the right to survival, protection, development and participation. Our values are: ACCOUNTABILITY – AMBITION – COLLABORATION – CREATIVITY – INTEGRITY.
Since 1992, it has been carrying out actions through various projects in Côte d’Ivoire to improve the level of protection of children as well as the living conditions of communities.
In this dynamic, SCI has been implementing a project related to the theme of “child-sensitive social protection” since January 2022, in the departments of Bondoukou and Tanda in partnership with the local NGO Soleil Levant/Education.
Funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland, the main objective of the project is to strengthen the social protection system in Côte d’Ivoire and contribute to an improved and inclusive well-being of children in the departments of Bondoukou and Tanda.
In concrete terms, in the long term, the main impact of the interventions should be an improvement in the well-being of children through the strengthening of the child-sensitive aspect of other social protection programmes in the Gontougo region.
For a greater impact at the national level, an advocacy plan has been developed and validated with the Ministries of Women, Family, and Children, the Ministry of Employment and Social Protection, media and NGO partners as well as the regional directorates representing the two ministries mentioned above based in Gontougo.
The advocacy axis approved by all stakeholders is the follow-up ” Bring decision-makers to integrate the ICDP approach into the training modules of social workers in Côte d’Ivoire by the end of 2025″.
In December 2025, an article by Anna Krasina, Head of ICDP Ukraine, was published in the academic journal Bulletin of Academician Stepan Demianchuk International University of Economics and Humanities. Series: Pedagogy and Psychology (Вісник Міжнародного економіко-гуманітарного університету імені Академіка Степана Дем’янчука. Серія: Педагогіка та психологія)
Krasina H. V.
Family and Child in Wartime Conditions: Psychosocial Support Based on the International Child Development Programme Model
Annotation
The article presents a theoretical analysis of the psychosocial needs of children, adolescents, and families living in the context of war, and substantiates the potential of the International Child Development Programme (ICDP) as a model of support in crisis conditions. Based on a synthesis of Ukrainian and international studies, the paper demonstrates that a considerable proportion of children exhibit signs of psychological traumatization, anxiety symptoms, impaired self-regulation, and behavioural difficulties. At the same time, families face emotional exhaustion, loss of stability, reduced internal resources, and deterioration of parent–child interaction. The article outlines the key tasks of psychosocial support and emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches that integrate psychological, social, and educational interventions. Particular attention is given to art therapy methods as a flexible tool for emotional stabilization and for restoring the connection between the child and the caregiver. The conceptual foundations of ICDP, grounded in emotionally attuned interaction, sensitive responsiveness, and supportive dialogue, are analyzed. The article concludes that the integration of this model into work with families affected by traumatic events is advisable, given its humanistic orientation, cultural adaptability, and demonstrated potential to enhance the quality of parent–child relationships.
“ICDP Ghana have incorporated the ICDP prorgramme into their trainings of caregivers. In all our various programmes’ activities we add the ICDP caregiving practices emphasizing the empathy based approach to care.” – – ICDP Ghana leader, Joyce Larnyoh.
In 2025, ICDP Ghana consolidated its role as a programme-focused organisation delivering evidence-based, empathy-driven interventions to improve outcomes for children, caregivers, women, and adolescents. Through strategic partnerships with government institutions, international organisations, educational bodies, and community stakeholders, ICDP Ghana implemented and advanced programmes in maternal and child health, education, child protection, adolescent development, digital and vocational skills development, social and emotional learning (SEL), and STEM education.
Key initiatives such as SafeStart, D.A.R.E, O3, Think Equal Social and Emotional Learning, and the SeedScience Project reflect ICDP Ghana’s holistic approach to human development. These interventions combined direct service delivery with capacity building, systems strengthening, and national-level engagement, reaching thousands of direct and indirect beneficiaries across multiple regions.
Across all interventions, ICDP Ghana prioritised systems strengthening, community ownership, and national readiness, ensuring that programmes are not only impactful at the community level but also positioned for scalable and sustainable implementation.
SAFESTART – IMPROVING MATERNAL & EARLY CHILDHOOD HEALTH
SafeStart is a maternal and early childhood health initiative focused on early detection of pregnancy-related risks, improved access to quality maternal services, and strengthened caregiver–child wellbeing in underserved communities. The project delivers portable ultrasound diagnosis and maternal health education directly within rural and peri-urban communities in the Eastern Region, reducing barriers to care caused by distance and cost.
In 2025, SafeStart continued its implementation phase, building on activities initiated in 2024. The programme strengthened community-level access to antenatal services while reinforcing health-seeking behaviours through continuous engagement with caregivers, community leaders, and frontline health workers.
As part of this engagement, pregnant women, mothers and caregivers were guided using ICDP’s empathy-based approach, with the 8 guidelines forming the foundation for nurturing, responsive and supportive parenting practices. Key outcomes:
Active service delivery across six communities: Kitase, Pokrom, Adamorobe, Konkonuru, Brekuso, and Ahwerase.
Provision of portable ultrasound screenings integrated into routine antenatal check-ups.
Ongoing community mobilisation to improve prenatal services to women
1,000+ pregnant women screened and supported.
100% referral for identified high-risk pregnancies to health facilities.
Improved uptake of antenatal services and increased trust in community-based maternal care.
SafeStart has significantly reduced barriers to maternal health and strengthened early risk identification, contributing to healthier pregnancies and stronger foundations for post-natal care.
ICDP trainer, Atnaf Berhanu was in Ethiopia in late January and during February 2026 – read her report below.
The ICDP programme in Ethiopia continues to make encouraging progress. In February 2026, a training with the aim of forming new facilitators was conducted in Awasa in collaboration with the Kingdom Resource Holistic Development Ministry.
A total of 26 participants attended the training, representing five faith-based denominations as well as some school teachers. The participants have 65 children in their care.
Following the completion of their theoretical facilitator training, all participants went on to do their practical work by implementing the ICDP programme with parents. They recruited 12 groups of parents and out of these, 10 groups have already been established, engaging approximately 143 parents with 343 children in their care.
Impact from Previous Facilitator Training
Participants who completed facilitator training in autumn 2025 have made significant contributions by recruiting 99 parents, with 235 children in their care.
Many parents shared that, before joining the programme, they had limited understanding of their children’s emotional and developmental needs. They believed that raising children mainly meant providing food and ensuring they attended school.
Through the training, parents reported important changes in their attitudes and practices. Several expressed that they previously did not allow their children to share their views or participate in conversations. After the training, they have started to listen more actively and engage with their children in a respectful and supportive way. Here is an example of this from one mother who shared her experience: “Before, I did not allow my children to play or talk openly with me because I was afraid of losing their respect. Now, after the training, we laugh together and discuss.”
After over thirty years ICDP has been reintroduced in Sri Lanka. The training aimed at forming a new group of facilitators took place from 26 to 30th of January 2026, and it was conducted in Vavuniya, attended by 16 participants (5 were from the RAHAMA organization, 9 from their local partner organisations and 2 from the Catholic organisation VAROD). A translator was hired to translate to the non-English speaking part of the group. The two trainers, Renate and Heidi Westborg Steel contributed a significant amount of voluntary work to make the first training happen.
RAHAMA works in the northern districts of Sri Lanka and collaborates with a wide network of local and community- based organizations. RAHAMA works particularly with families affected by alcohol and drug- related problems and therefore has a strong focus on mental health. In November 2024, the plans began to materialize when Renate Paramanthan Roaldset contacted ICDP Norway regarding a longer family stay in Sri Lanka. RAHAMA had expressed interest in ICDP training, and plans were developed despite the project not being fully funded. The training was planned for late January 2026 but faced major challenges when the “ Ditwah” cyclone struck Sri Lanka in November 2025 – nevertheless, it was possible to proceed.
From the beginning, the atmosphere at the ICDP training workshop was open and engaged. Participants quickly connected to the content, especially through reflecting on their own childhood and their experiences as caregivers. A highlight of the week was the reflection session, which we named the ICDP Cultural Event. Participants worked in groups to express one of the ICDP dialogues or “The Land” through drama, art, song, or dance. The presentations demonstrated both creativity and deep understanding, and the activity created energy, pride, and a strong sense of ownership within the group.
Overall, the training created motivation, reflection, and readiness for further ICDP work in the communities. After the completion of the self- training groups, the last training session is planned for autumn 2026.
Participant feedback indicates a strong personal and professional impact. Many expressed that the training helped them reflect on their own childhood and understand children’ s feelings in a new way. Examples of reflections include:
“ I have revisited my own childhood experiences and truly felt the importance of respecting the feelings of children.”
“ We should respect the child’ s feelings. Through mutual respect comes a good future.”
“By praising even a child exhibiting negative behaviour, we can help transform that behaviour into something positive.”
“ I learned how to live within our family with love.”
“If one single person loves the child, that is enough.”
“ We should change ourselves first, then society.”
On Tuesday 24 February, 2026, ICDP Norway invited State Secretary Usman Mushtaq (on far left on photo above; photo by Klaus Holthe) to visit Grefsenhjemmet to learn about experiences and research on the effects of using ICDP in nursing homes. He was accompanied by Tamina Sheriffdeen Rauf from the Oslo City Council. Representatives from Oslo Municipality, Haraldsplass Diakonova, Fagskolen Diakonova, the Adult Education Services, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, VID Specialized University, Grefsenhjemmet and Økernhjemmet also participated. Photo above by Klaus Holthe. The meeting was opened by Heidi Westborg Steel, Managing Director of ICDP Norway, who highlighted that ICDP may offer a practical solution for achieving person‑centred care in everyday practice.
Adapting ICDP for Elder Care: Research Findings and Ongoing Initiatives
Photo by Ane-Marthe Solheim Skar, showing Line C Holmsen presents her PhD work on ICDP in nursing homes
PhD candidate Line Constance Holmsen from VID presented findings from her doctoral research, in which she adapted the International Child Development Programme (ICDP) for use in elder care (International Caregiver Development Programme; ICDP). The results show that the programme strengthens person‑centred care and provides staff with a shared language and improved tools for psychosocial work. ICDP, delivered in small groups with a focus on reflection and mastery, has increased employees’ confidence, improved Norwegian language skills and strengthened professional communities. Staff report calmer residents, greater confidence, reduced need for medication—and some units have had periods without sickness absence during implementation.
At Grefsenhjemmet, 70 employees have completed ICDP training since 2019. At Økernhjemmet, around 45 employees have completed the programme. Fagskolen Diakonova announced that they are now developing a 15‑credit course that includes ICDP facilitator training and project management.
Experiences from Grefsenhjemmet
Grefsenhjemmet shared experiences showing how the method is naturally integrated into daily work and practice. The manager at Grefsenhjemmet, Julie Mittet, emphasized that ICDP can be practiced without fluent Norwegian, making it particularly relevant for multicultural teams. Employees said the programme has made their work easier, commenting for example: “I have started seeing the person and not just the disease” and “I reflect more on how I work.” Leaders and staff were clear that ICDP does not require more time—instead, it helps save time and encourages a different understanding and use of time, enabling more sustainable implementation.
International Perspectives and Evidence Needs
ICDP trainer Eli Østberg described the programme’s eight themes as “the new medicine.” Internationally, ICDP is referred to as a “vaccine against violence,” and Ane‑Marthe Solheim Skar from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and the international ICDP board noted that the results, based on robust qualitative data, are already generating international interest and are being used as inspiration in Colombia, where the child version of ICDP has reached tens of millions of people. Skar emphasized the need for scale‑up combined with research on effectiveness and implementation outcomes for both residents and staff, including work environment, sickness absence, medication use and time allocation.
Government Reflections and the Way Forward
State Secretary Mushtaq highlighted the government’s ambition for services that see the individual across the life course, and reflected on how ICDP could be expanded on a larger scale. “Change is difficult, but this is common sense – what I wonder is why this has not spread further already?” he asked, while also encouraging a shift to a more positive narrative: from “ageing wave” to “ageing strength.”
The meeting concluded with a shared understanding that ICDP is an important tool for enhancing quality in elder care by developing and elevating the inherent caregiving competence of health care workers and unskilled staff. ICDP Norway will follow up on this work in light of the recently allocated “elder care uplift” funding in the national budget, with the aim of further scaling, systematic research and strategic anchoring in both education and services.
On 29th of January 2026, ICDP trainer Verynice Fredrick was invited to a day care centre called ENILUI to intro duce the ICDP programme. The workshop was attended by 17 parents and 3 teachers.
Verynice (on photo above) explained the aims of the ICDP organization and its programme and then she introduced the participants to all the components of the ICDP programme. A special focus was placed on seeing the child as a person. All participants showed to be very interested and were keen to share and contribute through sharing of personal stories. They arranged further training which took place on 5th February 2026.
