Children evaluate the programme

In 2012 War Child’s IDEAL programme was evaluated in Colombia and South Sudan. Approximately 200 children and young people participated in this participatory evaluation. Children themselves chose a personal goal. During and after the programme, the children reflected on whether they had reached the goal they had set for themselves before starting the programme, and if IDEAL had contributed to their achievement. After finishing IDEAL, 77% of the participants in South Sudan reported personal improvements such as fighting less and being less aggressive. These behaviour changes were also confirmed by teachers and facilitators. Other changes reported by participants were improvements regarding friendships and social skills (32% of the children) and relationships with adults (19%). This participatory effect study was carried out in collaboration with the University of Amsterdam, the Dutch Youth Institute, HealthNet-TPO and Universidad Nacional (Colombia)

IDEAL is a psychosocial life skills programme for children and young people who grow up in (post) conflict areas. Through IDEAL, they learn to cope with the stress in their daily lives, regain their confidence and trust. Children participate in music, dance, drama, and games in workshops, facilitated weekly over a period of three to six months by local project staff with groups of 15 to 25 children. IDEAL was developed by War Child in 2006. The programme is currently running in ten countries.

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