Did you know that many of the most prevalent and chronic diseases of adulthood are rooted in children’s experiences? When children experience significant adversity, this can disrupt other systems in the body, causing effects that have lifelong implications for health and well-being¹. And yet, there is hope.  Child-centered support and quality care fosters healthy development and can provide pathways to healing and resilience.

Children of the Nations International (COTNI) partners with organizations in 5 countries, providing children with holistic care they need and deserve.

As the Social and Physical Care Program Leader for COTNI, I’m excited to cheer along partner organizations as they work toward our shared end results.

Social care end result: children who can integrate their past experiences into their lives, maintain connections with their communities, achieve lasting and meaningful relationships, and thrive in school and in the workplace.

Physical care end result: children who are physically healthy with the ability to demonstrate and promote health in their lives, communities, and beyond. 

2025 In Review 

In 2025, global aid delivery and its effectiveness came under intense scrutiny. Many organizations saw critical funding disappear almost overnight. Even those not directly dependent on USAID were affected as donor priorities and giving trends shifted. Across regions where COTN partners operate, numerous organizations closed their doors, leaving vulnerable communities at greater risk. In contrast, all COTN sites have remained fully operational, continuing to provide essential care and support to children and communities in need. 

Social and Physical Care Departments at COTN partner sites achieved significant goals and delivered high-quality support to children. Each program operated in ways that were culturally appropriate and responsive to local needs, creating meaningful impact. Children received nutritious meals and essential healthcare. Emotional support was provided to help them thrive. Those with serious health conditions were referred to specialists, resulting in many stories of recovery and hope. 

On the International side, our aim is to support the development of impactful programs and bring organizations together to learn from one another.   

Check out 2025 highlights from the International Social and Physical Care Program: 

• Enhanced Data Tracking: Trained Physical Care Leaders across the network to use Kobo Toolbox, a free data collection and management platform, enabling many to migrate Body Mass Index (BMI) data collection to a digital platform for better monitoring and trend analysis across programs.  

• Health Insights in Sierra Leone: Supported the Sierra Leone Physical Care Department in completing a comprehensive baseline health survey and report, providing critical data on 30 health indicators to guide program decisions.  

• Mental Health Capacity Building: Delivered specialized training on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support for nurses, equipping them to better address children’s emotional and psychological needs in clinics.  

• Individualized Care Capacity Building: Released revised forms and guidance and provided training to enhance individualized care and case management for at-risk children.  

• Youth Sexual Violence Prevention Advocacy: Facilitated a youth survey and report on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Malawi, Dominican Republic, Sierra Leone, and Haiti—giving staff actionable insights into youth perspectives and strategies to prevent sexual violence.  

• Strengthened Child Safety: Trained all partner sites on the updated Child Protection Policy to ensure consistent safeguarding practices.  

• Improved Service Standards: Conducted training on revisions to our Standards of Service, reinforcing shared understanding of our co-developed principles and operational excellence.  

• Trauma-Informed Care Leadership: One staff member achieved certification as an Affiliate Trainer with Trauma Free World in Trauma-Informed Care, while five others continued the certification process, set to complete in 2026. 

As we reflect on 2025 and begin to look ahead to 2026, we are so thankful to have your support as we work to support our partners in raising children that transform nations. 

To keep their administrative costs as low as possible, COTN asks all of its international staff to raise funds to support their department. Will you partner with me to support these initiatives to enhance the care of COTN children around the world?

1) National Scientific Council on the Developing Child (2020). Connecting the Brain to the Rest of the Body: Early Childhood Development and Lifelong Health Are Deeply Intertwined Working Paper No. 15. Retrieved from www.developingchild.harvard.edu.