By Lorraine Anyango.
Multi-sectoral frontline service providers in Kisumu County are discussing the current state of nurturing care for young children, paving the way for the launch of a crucial campaign dubbed “Kuwa Kocha,” meaning “Be a Coach.”
This initiative aims to raise awareness among residents about the critical importance of investing in the well-being of children during their formative years.
The urgency of this campaign is underscored by alarming statistics. In Kisumu County, 79 out of every 1,000 children die before reaching the age of five, highlighting a critical need for improved child care practices. While 62.6% of children aged 12-23 months are fully vaccinated, that number drops to 30% for those aged 25-35 months, indicating a worrying trend.
Although 63% of children attend at least four antenatal care (ANC) clinics, a mere 5% complete the recommended eight visits. Furthermore, 11% of births in Kisumu County are attributed to teen pregnancies, presenting additional challenges to early childhood development.
The review of Kisumu County’s nurturing care status also revealed significant data gaps. Information on men’s involvement in maternal health, parental mental health, the quality of child daycare services, and female participation in decision-making is lacking. These gaps hinder a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and limit the ability to design effective interventions. Data on children aged 24-59 months who are developmentally on track, early stimulation at home and the proportion of homes with children’s books and play materials are also missing.
These challenges were brought to light during an ongoing refresher workshop for stakeholders on the Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) component of the nurturing care program for Early Childhood Development (ECD). Participants prepared for the next phase of the program, focusing on key components of opportunities for early learning, nutrition, child safety and security, health, and responsive caregiving.
Last year, as part of these ongoing efforts, the comprehensive SBCC campaign “Kuwa Kocha” was developed, complete with audio, visual and print materials to disseminate vital messages on nurturing care. The campaign’s core message, rooted in the African proverb “it takes a village to raise a child,” encourages everyone to become a “coach” for the children in their spaces. It calls upon mothers, fathers, extended family members, neighbours, teachers, and the wider community to actively participate in providing nurturing care for children aged zero to eight.
“Kuwa Kocha” utilizes a catchy Swahili jingle, radio spots in both Swahili and Luo, social media posters, and informative booklets and guides to spread its message. Information will also be shared via WhatsApp to maximize reach and encourage widespread adoption of optimal childcare practices.
The campaign emphasizes the importance of creating enabling conditions for communities, parents, and caregivers to ensure children develop to their full potential. This includes access to good health and adequate nutrition, a safe and secure environment, and responsive caregivers who stimulate children through play and interaction.
Recent studies underscore the critical nature of early childhood, highlighting it as the period of most rapid brain development and a crucial determinant of future physical, mental health, and lifelong well-being.
Following the SBCC training, “Kuwa Kocha” will be rolled out in Kisumu County through various communication channels, including a radio campaign, social media engagement, and partnerships with key implementing partners.
Participants in the workshop represented a diverse range of departments and cadres, including nutritionists, nurses, clinical officers, lay volunteer counselors, social protection officers, community health assistants, children’s officers, program officers from NGOs, FBOs, and CBOs, ECDE teachers, religious leaders, community representatives, human resource officers, and social media influencers.
The “Kuwa Kocha” campaign is being implemented by Springboard Communication Consultants in 6 Counties (Kisumu, Garissa, West Pokot, Samburu, Busia and Kilifi) with support from UNICEF (through Jim Grant). This collaborative effort prioritizes early childhood development and ensures that every child in Kisumu County has the opportunity to thrive.
