WeCare-Informed Parenting Project 37

WeCare-Informed Parenting Project (Report 3) 

1. Introduction

This is the third report on the progress of the WeCare-Informed Parenting Project, which has been made possible through the generous support of the donors. This report highlights the achievements and activities carried out during this phase of our initiative, demonstrating the positive impact on the target groups, including children, parents, grandparents, pregnant mothers, and other caregivers. 

2. Learning Centers and Regular Activities

The AWIP learning centers established in the previous months continued their operations and activities in their respective areas. The centers have been following their schedules for conducting regular sessions, catering to the diverse needs of children, parents, grandparents, pregnant mothers, and other caregivers. These sessions encompass all five components of childcare recommended by WHO, ensuring holistic early childhood development. The sessions include a two-hour and five days regular sessions for the children and mothers, Me and my Dad session for fathers and sessions for the grandparents. 

3. Awareness and Outreach

Awareness and community outreach remain important components of the community-based program. These efforts are instrumental in raising awareness, fostering community engagement, securing resources, influencing policies, and ultimately contributing to the well-being of children.

In collaboration with the Government Education Department, the Rupani Foundation organized valley conferences on Early Childhood Development (ECD) in Gilgit, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Astore, and Skardu districts in Gilgit-Baltistan. The primary goal of these conferences was to raise awareness about the WHO Child nurturing framework and the critical role of ECD in enabling children to reach their full potential.

These valley conferences proved to be highly effective, with approximately 1,047 participants, including parents, educators, Lady Health Visitors (LHVs), community representatives, and other local influencers. ECD experts delivered presentations on the five components of the nurturing care framework: good health, adequate nutrition, responsive caregiving, safety and security, and opportunities for early learning.

4. On-Job Support to Family Support Motivators (FSMs)

Recognizing the important role of Family Support Motivators (FSMs) as change agents in the field of ECD, the foundation continued to provide capacity-building and on-job support. FSMs play a crucial role in ensuring the success of the initiatives, and their professional development is vital for achieving better results.

During this reporting period, ECD teachers were closely observed while delivering sessions with children. Valuable feedback was provided based on these observations, aimed at improving their practice and enhancing the quality of education and care provided to the children.

5. Enrollment in Learning Centers

With the support and active participation of community members, FSMs successfully increased the enrollment of beneficiaries in the learning centers. This demonstrates improved access to ECD services and a growing awareness of their importance.

The valley conferences held to educate communities on ECD have played a significant role in this achievement. Enrollment figures have shown a considerable increase in each center. The centers increased enrollment to 170 children, 170 mothers, 124 fathers, 74 pregnant mothers and 68 grandparents and other caregivers.

Furthermore, the overall enrollment figures from all intervention areas reached 2,259 children, 2,204 mothers, 2,184 fathers, and 808 grandparents.

6. A mother's journey in transforming her child's future

Mehr, a mother displaced by the 2010 gigantic Attabad Disaster, was deeply committed to providing the best opportunities for her two-year-old son, Ali. However, the lack of ECD services in her locality left her uncertain about how to start his early childhood development.

Mehr attended the Rupani Foundation Valley Conference in Gilgit, where she received evidence-based information about innovative early childhood development (ECD) programs. Mehr felt inspired by the shared enthusiasm for nurturing young minds.

She enrolled Ali in the Rupani Foundation's Learning Center at Mohammadabad Gilgit, where he joined other young learners. She also attended the sessions that allowed her to engage with Ali's nurturing care. Mehr was provided with valuable resources, tools, and support to continue his development at home.

Over time, Mehr noticed a remarkable transformation in Ali. His vocabulary expanded, his social skills flourished, and his curiosity grew. Amina also found herself growing as a parent, empowered with the knowledge and skills to become Ali's first and most influential educator.

As Ali progressed through the ECD program, he was well-prepared for formal schooling, and his love for learning was evident. This conference had been the catalyst for change in Mehr’s life. It had given Ali a strong start in his educational journey and empowered Mehr to be an active and engaged parent.

Mehr's decision to attend the conference and enrol Ali in the ECD program had a lasting and positive impact on their lives. 

7. Conclusion

The generous support and our collaborative efforts with local communities have continued to yield positive results in the field of Early Childhood Development. The Learning Centers made substantial progress, positively impacting the lives of children and families in the communities we serve.  

In the coming months, the project will further strengthen the ECD initiatives and make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families in the Gilgit-Baltistan region.