Expanding Early Childhood Education in Nairobi's Informal Settlements

This project builds upon the work we supported in 2022, continuing our efforts to improve access to quality early childhood education in Nairobi’s informal settlements.

Context:

In Kenya, approximately 700,000 children between the ages of 0 and 5 are not enrolled in early childhood education institutions. The most vulnerable children, who would benefit the most from such education, are often the least likely to enroll. Nairobi, in particular, is home to numerous informal settlements, some of which are densely populated and face high poverty rates, where young children are frequently left out of formal schooling.

Project supported :

This project supported by the bioMérieux Endowment Fund focuses on children aged 4 to 5 in preschool education programs within Nairobi's informal settlements.

UNICEF is working towards three main objectives:

1. Strengthening Early Childhood Education Provision: This is achieved through supporting local and national governments (including the Ministry of Education) to enhance coordination in educational policies.

2. Improving Access to Quality Early Childhood Education: UNICEF supports 200 teachers through training and resources, promoting play-based and child-centered learning. This includes providing teaching materials to create more engaging and effective learning environments.

3. Raising Awareness Among Families and Communities: The project educates families on the importance of quality early childhood education using three key approaches:

   • Training parents on positive parenting and how to create a supportive home environment that fosters their children's learning.
   • Establishing and training early childhood education management committees to ensure best practices in preschool centers.
   • Developing school improvement plans to better mobilize resources and improve the effectiveness of local schools.

Through this project, UNICEF aims to significantly impact the lives of children in Nairobi’s informal settlements, giving them the educational foundation they need for a brighter future. By strengthening the quality and accessibility of early childhood education, the project addresses critical barriers to learning and empowers families and communities to support their children’s growth.