Adapting Reach Up and Learn in Crisis and Conflict Settings: An Exploratory Multiple Case Study

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Developmental Psychology
• Humanitarian Studies

Background:

• Over 71 million young children live in conflict zones, facing adversities impacting development.
• Early childhood development is critically affected by violence, poverty, and displacement.
• Adaptations of the Reach Up program have been implemented in crisis settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the implementation and impact of adapted Reach Up interventions in diverse conflict-affected settings.
• To identify effective strategies for promoting early childhood development in crisis contexts.

Main Methods:

• Exploratory multiple case study methodology.
• Utilized implementation and qualitative data from three distinct interventions.
• Interventions included mobile-based messaging, rapid adaptations for acute crisis, and integrated group sessions/home visits.

Main Results:

• Tailored mobile messages in Bangladesh enhanced responsiveness, with a need for in-person services.
• Syrian adaptations included social-emotional learning for children in acute crisis.
• Venezuelan Reach Up integration with lactation counseling showed high uptake, satisfaction, and improved language development.

Conclusions:

• Cultural adaptation and holistic needs assessment are crucial for early childhood development programs.
• Integrating child safety and community-based services is essential.
• Designing for scalability requires blended models and cost analysis.