In a world that often overlooks the needs of the vulnerable, the Family Based Care Alliance (FaBCA) took a moment to reflect, learn, and unite for the sake of children who deserve loving families. On September 30th and October 1st, 2025, FaBCA participated in the global Collaborate+ 2025 movement, an initiative of the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO), by hosting the Ghanaian edition of the event in Accra.
This year’s theme, “Distinct; Different from the World, for the World,” was more than just a slogan; it was a call to action. It encouraged every participant to live differently and to model compassion, justice, and love in a world that often neglects the vulnerable. As Christians and caregivers, we are not called to blend in but to stand out for the sake of those who cannot stand up for themselves.
Collaborate+ is more than an event; it is a movement of shared learning, reflection, and connection. While CAFO hosted the main conference in the United States, FaBCA and other partners around the world gathered locally to listen, learn, and contribute to the global conversation about child and family care.
In Ghana, we spent two inspiring days of engagement, combining local presentations with live participation in the global CAFO conference via livestream. The event brought together church leaders, caregivers, and partner organizations—all united by one mission: to ensure that every child is raised in a loving family.
The first day featured Mrs. Baaba Amoah, the founder of an all-inclusive school for children with special needs. With warmth and conviction, she emphasized that children with special needs must be treated with love, respect, and dignity. Her insights on inclusive education inspired participants to recognize that every child can thrive when provided with the right environment of acceptance and care.
The following day, Elder Amos Kevin Annan captivated the audience with his powerful message on authoritative parenting in today’s world. He emphasized the balance between love and discipline, urging caregivers to raise children who are confident, resilient, and emotionally secure. His talk sparked lively discussions as participants reflected on their own experiences and approaches to caregiving.
Each session was followed by meaningful group discussions where attendees shared stories, challenges, and innovative solutions from their daily work. From 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM each day, participants joined the CAFO livestream, engaging with the broader global community. The international sessions explored topics such as Cultivating Collaboration in Action and Exploring Resilience, providing fresh insights on how organizations and families can help children heal and flourish after trauma.
While the event was rich in content and impact, this year presented some challenges. Attendance was lower than in previous years, partly due to the introduction of a new registration fee and the later-than-usual advertisement of the event. Additionally, some participants confused the event dates, which affected turnout. Despite the reduced numbers, the energy and impact of the event remained strong. The smaller setting allowed for deeper interaction, honest sharing, and stronger connections among participants.
Those who attended left inspired and equipped with new knowledge to enhance the quality of care for vulnerable children in their communities. The lessons learned reinforced FaBCA’s ongoing mission to promote family-based care as the best environment for every child to grow, belong, and thrive.
Collaborate+ 2025 served as a powerful reminder that change begins when we choose to live distinctly. The event renewed FaBCA’s commitment to collaboration, inclusion, and compassion, aligning with CAFO’s vision of seeing every child in a loving family.
As we reflect on this year’s event, we express our deep gratitude to CAFO, our facilitators, speakers, and every participant who made it possible. Together, we are part of a global movement built on faith, family, and love.
When we choose to live distinctly, we love differently. And when we love differently, the world changes—one child, one family, and one act of compassion at a time.
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