County trains 2,000 caregivers to boost early childhood education

Uasin Giishu county officials and those from  the Early Education Resource Unit International (EERUi) during a gala to honour care givers

Uasin Gishu county has trained over 2,000 caregivers to help boost early childhood education (ECDE) in the region.

The ongoing capacity building is being done through a partnership between the county and the Early Education Resource Unit International (EERUi).

Hundreds of the caregivers from across the county were honoured during an event in Eldoret.

The celebration was organised to recognise the role played by the caregivers in early childhood development.

The event was attended by Education executive Lucy Ng’endo, Chief Officer for Gender and Social Protection Marion Birgen and EERUi Founder and chief executive officer Simon Wamu.

Speaking during the event, Ng’endo lauded caregivers for their commitment to nurturing and shaping the lives of children, noting that they play a vital role in fostering holistic growth and a sense of security among children.

She said Governor Jonathan Bii’s administration continues to sensitise the public on the need to establish more daycare centres across the county.

“Caregivers help many mothers while ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for our children,” Ng’endo said.

She said the county government had already developed and passed a child protection policy to strengthen the welfare and safety of children within the county.

The event was held under the theme “Children: Our Hope and Our Future.”

Birgen commended EERUi for its partnership with the county in building the capacity of caregivers to ensure the safety and protection of children under their care.

“Children face various challenges while under care. This partnership with EERUi has been instrumental in equipping caregivers with essential knowledge and skills to safeguard them,” Birgen said.

CEO Wamu said most caregivers supported through the initiative come from informal settlements.

He said the organisation through the partnership with the county had so far identified and trained over 2,000 caregivers in the region.

“We have also provided them with play materials, toys and practical skills on how to utilise locally available resources, ensuring sustainability and reducing dependency on purchased items,” Wamu said.

In addition, EERUi has extended its training programmes to ECDE coordinators, further enhancing the quality of early learning and childcare in the county.

Ng’endo said the county is keen to ensure children in the region have the best foundation for quality care and education as they start life at home or in the ECDE units.