At the start of the year, Lift the Children hosted a Directors and Founders Meeting at Utugi Angels Community Centre, Ndeiya Subcounty, focusing on strategic project planning for children’s home leadership.

Why is Strategic Planning Important?

For children’s homes to remain sustainable and effective, strong leadership and strategic planning are essential. This session aimed to equip directors with the knowledge and tools necessary to develop well-structured plans that align with their long-term vision and mission.

The session was led by Martha, the founder of Utugi Angels, who shared her expertise on:

• Developing a clear vision and mission that guides the direction of the home.
• Identifying key goals and setting achievable milestones.
• Resource mobilization strategies to ensure financial sustainability.
• Stakeholder engagement for collaborative efforts in child welfare.

Key Takeaways from the Training:

✔ Some directors shared their strategic plans, showcasing their vision for the future.
✔ Training included video demonstrations and interactive sessions on plan development.
✔ Directors outside Nairobi participated in a special discussion on strategic growth.

Next Steps for Home Directors:

➡ Review and update their vision and mission statements to align with long-term goals.
➡ Develop or revise their strategic plans, including setting goals, defining timelines, and identifying resource needs.
➡ Engage key stakeholders in the strategic planning process.
➡ Focus on leadership succession and mentoring others to ensure project continuity beyond personal involvement.

Through sessions like these, we are building stronger, more resilient leadership that will drive sustainable change in the care and support of vulnerable children.