With more than 80% of the global population identifying with a faith, religion and spirituality will be essential to designing culturally relevant parenting interventions.
At the upcoming International Congress on Evidence-Based Parenting Support (I-CEPS) and Prevention for Action Conferences, World Vision experts will present evidence on Celebrating Families — a parenting approach that builds on families’ existing values to reduce violence in homes and improve child wellbeing.
In regions where faith is central — such as sub-Saharan Africa (62% Christian) and Central America (97% Christian) — Celebrating Families uses faith-informed content to shift norms around discipline, strengthen caregiver-child relationships, and foster safer, more nurturing environments. Rooted in values of forgiveness, grace, and reconciliation, the program is also being adapted for diverse religious settings worldwide.
And the evidence is strong. Research to be shared, published in Cambridge Prisms, shows that across 12 countries parents’ use of hitting as discipline decreases by 47% after attending Celebrating Families workshops, with other harsh parenting practices dropping as well. Caregivers report more positive attitudes and behaviors, and children demonstrate consistent improvements in wellbeing across cultural contexts.
By engaging local faith leaders and working through existing belief systems, Celebrating Families will enhance cultural relevance, build trust, and increase uptake—critical in fragile settings where formal systems are overstretched. This model will demonstrate that faith-informed approaches can be both rigorous and effective, offering scalable solutions families embrace.
World Vision will continue advancing evidence-based solutions that meet families where they are. Celebrating Families will show that integrating faith into program design can drive lasting change and protect children where it matters most.
