The Good Start Challenge aims to advance innovative solutions that improve the wellbeing of parents and caregivers in disadvantaged circumstances. In Sub-Saharan Africa, our focus is on parents facing or at risk of facing displacement. As such, we’re thrilled to partner with Cohere as our dedicated outreach partner in Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia.

Parents and caregivers of young children face immense challenges. For families affected by forced displacement, those challenges increase substantially. Mental health support, safe spaces to play, and nurturing environments can feel out of reach. The Good Start Challenge aims to change that by finding and supporting the most promising local solutions which improve the wellbeing of parents of young children . 

We want to ensure that refugee-led organisations and community-based groups don’t just hear about the Challenge—they get the tools, support, and encouragement to participate fully. We know that innovators need tailored, local support. They need trusted guidance, connections to the communities they serve, and help translating bold ideas into actionable plans.

 That’s where Cohere comes in.

Who is Cohere?

Cohere is an international NGO with deep roots in East Africa. They are on a mission to unlock the potential of Persons with Lived Experience of Forced Displacement (PwLE) and their hosting communities, so they can determine their own futures on their own terms.

They work hand-in-hand with Refugee-Led Organisations (RLOs) and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) across Africa. Their approach is grounded in trust, collaboration, inclusion, and listening. Rather than imposing solutions, they partner with PwLE and host community leaders to support them in designing and delivering solutions that respond to the evolving needs and opportunities in their communities.

As Cohere puts it: “Imagine a world in which everyone has control over their own future. We can picture it.”

Cohere has built relationships over years of work in places like Nairobi, Kakuma, Kampala, Rwamwanja, and Arua. They have shown that when community leaders are in charge of designing solutions, those solutions are more sustainable, relevant, and effective.

Why  we chose to work with Cohere

We chose Cohere because they aim to build equitable trust-based partnerships with PwLE and their hosting communities. Their model is built around supporting the agency of these communities through community-led decision-making. They know that PwLE and their hosting communities are diverse, constantly changing, and full of ideas that often go unheard.

Their strategy is always to adapt to these changing needs. To ask first, listen deeply, and learn alongside communities. This makes them uniquely suited to help us reach innovators working with, by, and for parents and caregivers in some of the most overlooked contexts.

What value will Cohere bring?

Cohere will be our bridge to connect with these communities. They will help us do more than just announce the Good Start Challenge as an opportunity. They will make sure the Challenge reaches the people who can truly benefit from it—and who can transform their communities with the right support.

Here’s how:

• Targeted Outreach: Cohere will identify and map eligible organisations across Kenya and Uganda. They’ll tap into their existing networks and connections in Ethiopia to make sure even the most remote and under-resourced groups are aware of the opportunity.
• Personalised Engagement: Outreach won’t just be emails and social posts. Cohere will hold one-on-one conversations by phone, WhatsApp, SMS, email and physical interactions when possible. They’ll make sure people really understand what the Challenge is, how to apply, and why their ideas matter.
• Authentic Communication: Many refugee-led organisations and community based organisations have faced barriers and frustrations when applying for funding. Cohere’s existing relationships mean they can address hesitation, build confidence, breakthrough jargon and encourage participation.
• Interactive Clinics: Cohere will run five workshops and clinics in places like Nairobi, Kakuma, Kampala, and Arua, with online sessions for remote participation. These sessions will be co-facilitated by PwLE and host community leaders themselves. In these clinics, participants will:
  • Learn about the Good Start Challenge in relatable language.
  • Brainstorm and develop their innovative ideas.
  • Exchange ideas and feedback with peers.
  • Get practical guidance on writing strong, clear proposals.
  • Ask questions and receive ongoing support.
• Technical Support: Cohere will also offer one-on-one and small-group mentorship. This will help them refine their ideas, align with Challenge themes, and navigate the application process. Sessions will be adapted to their time, language, and literacy needs.
• Insights and Learning: Cohere will capture lessons from participants to help us improve. They’ll ensure the process remains responsive and respectful throughout.

We’re excited to see the ideas that will emerge by working with Cohere. And we believe this partnership is a critical step in ensuring that every parent and caregiver has the chance to give their children the best possible start in life.

Together, let’s make sure the Good Start Challenge is truly inclusive. Let’s build a future determined by the people who know their communities best.

How you can participate

You can reach out directly to Cohere to access their support in entering the Challenge, by emailing them at r.njiri@wearecohere.org. 

You can also contact the Good Start Challenge team if you have questions or want to be connected with Cohere.

• Send us an email at goodstart@challengeworks.org; 
• WhatsApp us at +44 7785464598 –  should you want our assistance or to be connected to Cohere. If you are ready to enter the challenge;

Apply now

The Good Start Challenge is now open for entries! Visit the challenge website to learn more, sign up for an upcoming webinar, check out the entry form and requirements, and contact us with your questions. 

The deadline to submit entries is 17 September 2025, 1PM UCT