Learning from others
Friends around the world
Organisations whose work for children growing up in families we admire and learn from. Descriptions are taken from their own websites.
These organisations are not SOVCI’s partners, and listing them does not mean they endorse SOVCI. We simply admire their work and recommend their free guidance. We do not list organisations that place volunteers in orphanages.
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International network
Better Care Network
In its own words, “an interagency network facilitating global information exchange and collaboration on the issue of children without adequate family care”. It also hosts ReThink Orphanages, a coalition that works to shift funding, volunteering and tourism away from orphanages towards strengthening families.
Its library on orphanage tourism and voluntourism is a key source for our guide on helping orphanage homes responsibly.
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United Kingdom · works internationally
Lumos
Founded by author J.K. Rowling, Lumos says it “realises every child’s right to a family by transforming care systems around the world”.
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United Kingdom · works internationally
Hope and Homes for Children
An international charity that, as it describes itself, “works to stop the institutionalisation of children”.
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Global alliance
Family for Every Child
A global alliance of local civil society organisations working on children’s care, with a vision of every child growing up in a permanent, safe and caring family, supported by temporary, quality alternative care where needed.
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Nigeria
SOS Children’s Villages in Nigeria
SOS Children’s Villages says it has been supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it, in Nigeria since 1973.
Visit SOS Children’s Villages in Nigeria (opens in a new tab)
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Nigeria
UNICEF Nigeria
The United Nations children’s agency in Nigeria, which says it works “to promote the rights of children in Nigeria”, from health and nutrition to education and protection.
Why these organisations?
Each one works for children’s right to grow up in a family — by supporting families so children are not separated from them, by developing foster and kinship care, or by helping countries move away from institutional care. Lagos State is moving in the same direction: in July 2026 it announced fostering services to “reduce unnecessary institutionalisation” (NAN, 22 July 2026 (opens in a new tab)). Read more in our guides.
Know an organisation that should be here? Tell us — we only add organisations whose websites we have checked.