During the last quarter of 2023, the WE-Care PMU conducted a series of monitoring support visits following the launch of WE-Care Phase V. These visits were critical, especially at the start of Phase V, as they provided significant knowledge and insight to the programme progress and needs. The PMU got a chance to meet with the partners and care champions. Meeting with the partners was a very significant move in reviewing the project’s progress, identifying issues, and establishing ways of working. By visiting Uganda, the country offices became aware of the importance of working collaboratively with partners when selecting sub partners as this would facilitate the implementation of the programme smoothly. The visit to the Childcare Center in Ruiru market in Kenya provided an up-close look at the project, while the visit to Zimbabwe helped understand operational challenges and how to mitigate them.

Following the visit, the reflections and action items underlined the significance of a collaborative scorecard meeting, where stakeholders could learn from one another and enhance the existing document by exchanging experiences. The PMU underlined the need for a system of coordination for addressing programme issues proactively. Overall, the key emphasis was on recognizing the capacity requirements for every country, motivating the PMU to concentrate early in the programme phase on Capacity strengthening for the entire WE-Care team.