By Matilda Atieno
Pomp and glamour marked today’s celebrations as Mama Kisumu Dorothy Nyong,o officially launched the three Baby care centers for the wellbeing and safety of babies of the Vocational Training Center (VTC) students at Obange in Nyakach, Akado in Kisumu East and Ahero VTC in Nyando in an event held earlier today at the Ahero VTC.
The model baby care center is an initiative by the First Lady and the County Department of Education in partnership with Kidogo innovations limited to establish three baby care centers in three of the VTCS as a pilot project to be replicated in all the 26 VTCs in the County.
The center which is fully equipped with play kits, learning kits, a nursing station, and qualified caregivers is set to cater for babies of age 0 to 4 years. The First lady has called on young mothers to embrace vocational training education to gain practical experience in their chosen career path as well as skill development and employability.
The initiative is one of the ASKs during this year’s International Women’s Day celebration that was given to the County Government and it has been realized within the shortest period, following the commitment to ensure a child-centered approach to the SDGs, which draws on the global commitment to respect, protect, promote and fulfill children’s rights as outlined by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
The MOU signed by CEC member for Education Mr. John Awiti on behalf of the county directorate of TVETs and Kidogo innovations limited led to the speedy realization of the childcare centers in the three institutions.
Baby care center is a dream come true to the female students who have had challenges in taking care of their babies while at the same time pursuing their education. The baby care centers and the young mothers also received donations in terms of baby wipes, pamper and Sulwe story book for the babies as well as sanitary towels and protective gears for the mothers.
Mama Kisumu was also pleased to commission the newly constructed 75 capacity dormitory in her honor, named Mama Dorothy Nyong’o dormitory. She also took time to appreciate the various programs offered within Ahero VTC including the driving school, Food and beverage center, ICT center, Masonry and building technology center, mechanical engineering school, Fashion and design center and Beauty and therapy center.
The CEC member promised that the department is committed to establish more of the baby care centers in all the remaining 23 VTC institutions in Kisumu.
Kidogo Innovations obliged to work with the county government to improve access to quality, affordable childcare and pre-school services Kisumu as the first county to partake in the project
The First lady was also flanked by Chief officer Madam Penina Onyango, Director TVETs Madam Pascalia Ouma, Center managers from the various VTCs , Officials from Kidogo innovations limited and other County Officials.
