In Accra's massive open-air markets, many kayayei (female head porters) go to work with their young children beside them because safe childcare is unaffordable. This project expands access to childcare in market communities through childcare kiosks using play-based Early Learning Boxes, where children aged 1-4 receive safe care and early learning, while young women are trained to run the kiosks as childcare businesses serving their communities.
Madina, a town in Accra, is home to over 60,000 internal migrants, many of them women raising children far from family support and with unstable incomes. Without access to safe and affordable childcare, mothers must choose between earning an income and keeping young children safe. Too often, children under 4 spend long days in crowded markets or unsafe care, missing out on nurturing environments and early learning during the most critical years of development.
Building on KCC's nine years of experience supporting vulnerable families, this project establishes affordable Childcare Kiosks within market communities, making early learning accessible to working mothers. Children aged 1-4 receive safe care, structured play, and learning through Early Learning Boxes designed for low-income communities. Through a micro-franchise model, young women receive training and ongoing support to run trusted childcare businesses that serve families in their communities.
Each childcare kiosk supports 15 children, 10-15 families, and employs two young women. Over three years, each kiosk will reach 150 children and 100 families. Children will be better prepared for kindergarten and future schooling. With reliable childcare, mothers can work more consistently and improve household income. Over time, the project helps break cycles of poverty by improving school readiness for children and expanding economic opportunities for women in low-income communities.
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