Promoting Healthy Child Care in Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centers
“Our aim is to assist these young mothers by providing daycare facilities where they can leave their children while they attend their courses, enabling them to pursue their education without interruptions.”
Agatha Itenya, Coordinator for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) at the Kidogo Foundation, is dedicated to empowering young mothers by providing essential childcare support to help them pursue their education
By George Misati
A remarkable initiative spearheaded by a non-governmental organization has transformed the lives of over fifty thousand children across the country. This program focuses on promoting healthy early childhood care for teenage mothers and their children residing in slum settlements, ensuring they receive the support and resources necessary for healthy development.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Community Health Promoters (CHPs), the organization has targeted early childhood development centers in various counties. Their mission is to provide proper care and nurturing environments for children in ECDs, recognizing the crucial role these formative years play in a child’s overall development. Agatha Itenya, the Coordinator for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) with the Kidogo Foundation, shared insights into the organization’s impactful work.
“We identify TVET institutions with girls who have children and are in need of childcare services,” Agatha explains. “Our aim is to assist these young mothers by providing daycare facilities where they can leave their children while they attend their courses, enabling them to pursue their education without interruptions.”
This program has seen significant success, particularly in increasing the enrollment of young women in colleges across the country. Agatha notes, “Since the Kidogo Foundation established these daycare facilities, the beneficiaries can utilize them free of charge. This program not only supports their educational pursuits but also fosters a sense of community among young mothers.”
Agatha further highlights the importance of addressing the stigma surrounding young mothers. “This program helps girls who face discrimination for breastfeeding during class sessions by providing assistance from caregivers trained by us,” she adds. “Our goal is to create an environment where young mothers feel supported and valued as they continue their education.”
The initiative strives for a 100% transition rate for students, particularly young mothers impacted by teenage pregnancy. It also aims to help young children begin their foundational education in a nurturing and safe environment. Caregivers involved in this initiative are referred to as “Papapreneurs” for men and “Mamapreneurs” for women, symbolizing their entrepreneurial spirit in providing essential childcare services.
Micah Nyairo, the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Coordinator in Bungoma County, underscores the fundamental needs of children. “First and foremost, children require access to clean drinking water, a high level of hygiene, and an enabling environment for play and rest,” he states. “The Department of Health has partnered with Kidogo Foundation to ensure that these facilities adhere to hygiene and nutrition standards, safeguarding our children from communicable diseases such as typhoid, dysentery, and other preventable illnesses.”
The Kidogo Foundation was established in 2014 in response to the urgent need for childcare solutions within Nairobi’s slum areas. Many young mothers were rendered less productive due to the overwhelming responsibilities of child-rearing, leading some to drop out of school. Agatha reflects on the foundation’s journey, stating, “In Uasin Gishu County, we set up a breastfeeding area at Eldoret District Hospital to support young mothers. We believe childcare is not merely a nanny affair; it is a legitimate job that requires proper training and support.”
Currently, the Kidogo Foundation serves over 2,000 Mamapreneurs and Papapreneurs across the country, positively impacting the lives of more than 50,000 children. The organization recently celebrated its achievements during annual events held in various counties, including Uasin Gishu, Kilifi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Kisumu. The culmination of these celebrations will be the national event scheduled for November 16 in Nairobi, where the foundation will recognize the best childcare proprietors for their dedication and contributions to improving early childhood care.
As Agatha concludes, “Our mission is to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has access to quality childcare and a chance for a brighter future. We are committed to supporting young mothers in their educational journeys while nurturing the next generation.”
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