The 2015 LINC annual event brought together 45 critical partners in the sector over three days (4-6 August 2015) to deliberate, identify and respond to key challenges facing the childrenfs sector. Overall, the event can be described as a success. The role of government (Department of Social Development- DSD) has been particularly strong this year and through the event there is renewed urgency and realisation across the membership that LINC is the most suitable (if not the only) structure to respond to the complexity facing the childrenfs sector. Efforts will be made to increase representation in LINC of government leaders working in the Health and Education sectors.
Flowing from the various presentations and conversations, approximately 20 critical areas for action were identified in DSD alone with a further 10 areas identified by LINC as potential priority areas for the Fellowship. This included among others, children with disabilities, limited specialisation in child protection and court support services, developing child well-being indicators and setting up a childrenfs sector barometer. This calls for a calculated approach as not all of these areas can be tackled at once. Another convening with DSD will be held to co-create a way forward.
At the core of the LINC programme lies leadership development, and this gathering no doubt enabled fellows - through the Synergos Body of Practice - to deepen their knowledge and sharpen their skills with regard to their personal and professional growth. The relevance of LINC has yet again been confirmed and its sustainability will continue to be top priority going forward. A team of fellows will be working closely with fundraisers to finalise and implement the sustainability plan.