GCE-US Celebrates the Global Child Thrive Act
July 23, 2024
Washington, D.C. - The Global Child Thrive Act is a multisectoral, interagency bill enacted in 2021 which aims to integrate childhood development interventions into US foreign assistance programs. The launch event provided updates on strategy objectives and featured insights from key stakeholders. All are encouraged to watch the recording here.
The meeting opened with short congratulatory video from Elmo from Sesame Street, followed by remarks on Dr. Bama Athreya introducing the Thrive Act.
The event addressed its needs and objectives first through a roundtable discussion with Thea Lee, Dr. Greta Massetti, and Rebecca Levy.
The discussion covered topics such as:
- Incorporating data and analytics to combat violence
- Addressing child labor through interagency collaboration
- Increasing access to social and mental support for parents and caregivers
- Advocating for worker’s rights and expanding the right to unionization
- Highlighting USAID’s recent efforts to support childhood development: demanding increased public and private investment, establishing a mental health team, and training USAID’s social service workforce
Thea Lee stressed the importance of interagency collaboration, highlighting that a “whole of government is timely and essential” in safeguarding vulnerable children. She recommended participants to download Sweat and Toil, an app that compiles goods made of forced labor or child labor.
Dr. Greta Masseti guided participants to INSPIRE, a CDC’s handbook that outlines seven strategies for ending violence against children. One of the seven strategies – P standing for parent and caregiver support – articulates that stable employment for parents and caregivers reduces the likelihood of exposing children to labor.
Representative Joaquin Castro of Texas celebrated the event launch by commending the THRIVE act’s efforts to advocate for children welfare.
Dr. Daniela Ligiero, CEO and President of Together for Girls, closed the event with a call for the “prevention, healing, and justice” for children victim to sexual violence. She emphasized the importance of the collective to advocate for an environment where “children can be heard and seen.”
The THRIVE Act outlines three needs integral in ensuring children health and safety:
- Supporting the first years of life (0-8 years old)
- Caregiver support
- Environment free of violence and deprivation
THRIVE Act Objectives are as follows:
- Build strong beginnings
- Support families to thrive
- Protect children from violence
Speakers included:
Representative Joaquin Castro (D-TX)
Thea Lee, Deputy Undersecretary, U.S. Department of Labor
Dr. Greta Massetti, Principal Deputy Director, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Michele Sumilas, Assistant to the Administrator, U.S. Agency for International Development
Dr. Bama Athreya, Deputy Assistant Administrator, U.S. Agency for International Development
Rebecca Levy, U.S. Government Special Advisor for Children in Adversity, U.S. Agency for International Development
Learn more:
Event Recording: https://www.youtube.com/live/lcCHkBnzRL4
About Sweat & Toil: https://www.dol.gov/general/apps/ilab
Global Child Thrive Act Website: https://www.childreninadversity.gov/thrive/
INSPIRE handbook: https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/58993