This World Children’s Day, we join Transform Alliance Africa’s Rooted in Families campaign to champion one powerful truth – children grow best in families, not institutions.
Today, on World Children’s Day, we mark a moment of hope and resolve as we stand alongside our partners and communities to reaffirm our commitment that every child belongs in a loving family, not an institution. Central to this commitment is our involvement in the Rooted in Families campaign, launched by Transform Alliance Africa (TAA), which emphasises that children thrive best when they grow up in a family.
Rooted in families – because institutions are not the answer
TAA’s campaign calls out a stark truth. Across Africa, more than 35 million children are growing up without parental care – more than the population of some whole countries. Many of these children end up in institutional care, deprived of the love, identity and belonging that family brings. The “Rooted in Families” campaign isn’t simply about closing orphanages – it’s about cultivating local, community-based solutions rooted in African culture and values. It’s about giving children the chance to belong in a family, and to belong in a community.
We are proud to join this movement. We believe the future lies in supporting families, reinforcing community networks, and shaping national systems so that children stay with their families or join trusted kin or foster families, rather than end up in institutions.
Our work around the world
Since our founding, we have been driven by one clear principle: children need more than shelter and food – they need the love, nurture and protection of a family. We work across Eastern Europe, Africa and South Asia, partnering with governments, civil society and communities to close harmful institutions, strengthen families, and transform childcare systems.
For example:
- We help to prevent children being separated from their families in the first place, through programmes that stabilise vulnerable families, reduce poverty, support parents, and intervene early.
- We support the safe closure of institutions and the reintegration of children into family-based care, where that is best for them.
- We advocate globally for care reform, using evidence and the voices of children to encourage governments to change policy, and prioritise families over orphanages.
Photo: Jean Bizimana, HHC
Why this matters, and why now
Institutions may appear to offer safety, but decades of research tell us they cannot meet the emotional, developmental and relational needs of a child in the same way a family can. Over 5.4 million children are trapped inside orphanages, even though over 80% aren’t even orphans.
The “Rooted in Families” campaign is especially timely. TAA highlights that while kin-based, community-based support used to be the norm, rising pressures mean more children are growing up in institutions, on the streets, or in child-headed households. By aligning with this campaign, HHC amplifies a critical message – the solution is not just to shut institutions, but to rebuild family and community systems around children.
Our role in the campaign – what you can do
On this World Children’s Day, HHC invites you to join us in the “Rooted in Families” movement. Here’s how:
- Share the message. Use your voice, your platforms, your networks to help raise awareness that institutional care is harmful and family-based care is possible and urgent.
- Support change. By donating to our Winter Appeal, you can help fund the family-based services that keep children safe in families and communities.
- Amplify children’s voices. Children who have lived in care or are at risk must be at the heart of the solution. Listening to their voices is key. HHC places children at the centre of our work.
A vision of hope
Imagine a world where no child grows up alone in a dormitory, where every child wakes up in the security of family, love and belonging. That’s our vision, and the vision of the “Rooted in Families” campaign. Together with global partners, local communities, and children themselves, we can build that future. Let’s keep growing roots in families this World Children’s Day.
