Seven years ago we disbanded our international NGO. Others can and must do the same if the development sector is to actually put into practice the ideas behind decolonization and localization.
EveryChild was a midsized INGO formed by a merger in 2001. In 2009, when it had around 240 staff, headquarters in London, and a mix of country offices and partners in 12 countries, the board asked for options for the long-term future of the organization.
The options were: Another merger, investing in income growth, or establishing a grassroots-led alliance. Well before localization or decolonization was on every INGO’s agenda, EveryChild took the visionary step of deciding to incubate the development of a locally led alliance of civil society organizations, that was to become Family For Every Child.
About the author
Amanda Griffith
Amanda Griffith is the CEO of Family For Every Child. She has over 40 years’ international experience working for both large and small INGOs, as well as international networks. She has been the CEO of three U.K. charities, as well as significant practitioner expertise with vulnerable children and young people.
