Early childhood care with best parenting
A multi-sectoral parenting programme helps improve early childhood care and development in Ethiopia
Every parent wants their child to grow up healthy, happy and able to reach their full potential. But in many rural communities, parents and caregivers do not always have access to the information and support they need to provide the best possible start in life. As a result, opportunities to nurture children's early learning and development are often missed.
In Ethiopia, UNICEF is helping parents and caregivers build essential parenting skills through a multi-sectoral programme that combines practical demonstrations with interactive learning sessions.
“I didn’t know how important play was for my child. Now I see how much he enjoys it. It helps him stay active, curious and happy.”
Ekram Seid has discovered the power of play.
In the family home, Ekram spreads a clean mattress over a carpet and places a few toys within reach of her 18-month-old son, Hamdan. As he explores his options, she sits beside him, joining in his play and encouraging his curiosity.
“I didn’t know how important play was for my child,” says Ekram. “Now I see how much he enjoys it. It helps him stay active, curious and happy.”
Once they have finished playing together, Ekram gives Hamdan the freedom to explore on his own in a safe and stimulating environment. As he listens, touches, moves and discovers, he is developing the cognitive, motor and social skills that will help him learn and grow.
While Hamdan plays nearby, Ekram prepares his meal. The eggs she collects from the poultry she raises are a regular part of his diet, helping him get the nutrients he needs to grow healthy and strong. Any surplus eggs are sold, providing extra income for the family.
As a first-time mother, Ekram says the parenting programme has helped her better understand how to support her son's health, learning and development. She attends the sessions alongside 23 other mothers and caregivers from her community.
The programme consists of 24 structured sessions covering topics such as handwashing at critical times, complementary feeding, play, shared reading, positive discipline and girls' empowerment. Alongside practical demonstrations and group discussions, parents also learn through pre-recorded radio lessons that bring parenting challenges and solutions to life. Together, these approaches help families adopt simple practices that can make a lasting difference in their children's lives.
Meka Derese facilitates the sessions, guiding mothers and caregivers through practical discussions on child health and development using a parenting guidebook and pre-recorded radio lessons.
“Good parenting helps shape a child's future,” says Meka. “The sessions create a space for parents to share experiences, challenge misconceptions and learn practical ways to support their children's growth and development.”
Developed with support from UNICEF and national and local partners, the parenting package helps families create safe, clean and stimulating environments where children can learn through play. While play is sometimes viewed as a leisure activity, it is one of the most important ways young children develop skills, build relationships and understand the world around them.
As the session comes to an end, the women gather for coffee, exchanging stories, encouragement and laughter. Today, it is Ekram's turn to prepare the coffee, which she serves to each participant with a warm smile.
The women also contribute regularly to their self-help group. By saving a fixed amount twice each month, they build a shared fund that allows members to access loans to start or expand small businesses. Beyond improving financial resilience, the group also strengthens the bonds of support and solidarity among the mothers.
Today, Hamdan is a healthy, energetic little boy. He loves playing with his mother and cousin, exploring the world around him with curiosity.
For Ekram, small changes in daily routines have helped create a more nurturing environment for her son. By giving parents and caregivers the knowledge and confidence to support their children's development, programmes like this are helping more children get the best possible start in life.
