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This Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework provides a structured and consistent approach to tracking the implementation and effectiveness of the Early Childhood Development (ECD) group counseling program. Designed to complement the ongoing individual family counseling services, this framework offers an alternative and scalable approach to delivering ECD counseling through group sessions with caregivers. Our goal is to systematically collect and analyze data to measure performance, inform decision-making, and enhance the quality and impact of ECD interventions. The framework outlines key indicators, sets performance targets, and establishes processes for monitoring inputs, activities, and outputs—ensuring that all stakeholders can assess progress against set objectives. By focusing on efficiency, effectiveness, and behavior change within target communities, this M&E framework supports continuous improvement of the group counseling approach. It also provides evidence on the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of the model, enabling programmatic adjustments and the development of best practice guidelines.

This report highlights ChildFund’s global investments in improving children’s health, nutrition, and sanitation — essential foundations for their overall development and well-being. In the year ending June 2020, 20% of ChildFund’s nearly $216 million in global expenditures was dedicated to health-related programs, reflecting our deep commitment to ensuring that children, especially in their early years, grow up healthy and secure. In addition to health, the report outlines our investments in early childhood development, education, emergency response, and livelihoods — all supported by cross-cutting priorities such as gender equity, local capacity building, youth empowerment, and social inclusion. Aligned with country priorities and rooted in community engagement, ChildFund’s programs aim to strengthen child-focused systems and influence policies that protect and uplift children and youth worldwide.

ChildFund has released an updated Partnership Strategy to align more deeply with its core purpose and deliver stronger, more impactful programs for children. Since 2009, ChildFund’s global strategy has emphasized building a strong core program. This update responds to emerging challenges—shifting funding landscapes, increasing local NGO capacity, and a demand for greater program quality and scale. Rooted in the experience of working with local partners across diverse contexts, the strategy sets a clear vision: to build and maintain a fit-for-purpose, purpose-driven portfolio of strong partners that advance child development at the local level and influence change at national and global levels. It reinforces ChildFund’s commitment to long-term, values-aligned partnerships that drive program quality, advocacy, innovation, and sustainable impact

The Children’s Code Act, 2022 consolidates and modernizes laws relating to children by making comprehensive provision for the rights of the child, parental responsibilities, alternative care arrangements such as guardianship, foster care, and adoption, and the protection of children in need of care or in conflict with the law. The Act further provides for the regulation and delivery of child welfare services, establishes the National Child Development Council, and aims to ensure the holistic development, protection, and participation of every child in Zambia.

This report presents the findings of a six-month evaluation of a child marriage prevention project implemented by Chongwe Child Development Agency in Nyashishi community. The evaluation assessed the project's relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, sustainability, and potential outcomes. It reviews interventions such as school construction to enhance girls' access to education, life skills and reproductive health and rights training for adolescents, economic empowerment for vulnerable households, and community capacity-building to prevent child marriages. Using household surveys, interviews, and observations, the report highlights the project's impact in creating a safer and more enabling environment for girls

The Joining Forces Alliance came together to launch a new policy aimed at protecting children in Zambia’s rapidly growing digital space. As internet access expands, rising from 12.7% in 2015 to 28.5% in 2022, more children are learning, socializing, and expressing themselves online. This policy seeks to promote safe, inclusive, and empowering digital experiences for every child, ensuring that as Zambia goes digital, no child is left vulnerable. While digital platforms offer new opportunities for education and participation, they also expose children to serious risks such as cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, and harmful content. In December 2021 alone, Zambia recorded over 700 cases of online child abuse.

ChildFund’s Education for Protection and Wellbeing (EPW) Program Model targets children ages 6-12, their teachers and their caregivers in schools. The EPW model places a strong emphasis on improving relationships within and between levels of the ecological model among children, caregivers,and teachers.

This policy brief focuses on Zambia’s landmark Marriage (Amendment) Act No. 13 of 2023, which fully prohibits child marriage under both statutory and customary law. Developed by Population Council Zambia in collaboration with ChildFund, the Gender Division, UNFPA, and UNICEF, the brief outlines the implications of this progressive legislation. The Act defines a child as anyone under 18 and voids any marriage involving minors, effectively closing legal loopholes that previously enabled child marriage—especially under customary practices. With penalties of up to 10 years in prison, and life sentences under the Education Act for marrying off schoolchildren, the policy sets a strong legal foundation. However, it also highlights the need for sustained social and cultural change to end child marriage for good