Kakuma – March 25, 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

At least 60 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers from Kakuma, Kalobeyei, Letea, and Lopur wards in Turkana West have been sensitized on key components under the Nurturing Care Framework. These include good health, good nutrition, responsive caregiving, safety and security, and opportunities for early learning.

The two-day sensitisation forum engaged teachers on the importance of integrating play-based learning into daily nurturing care routines to boost cognitive skills and brain development, as well as using play as a tool to support healing from mental and psychosocial trauma.

The forum aimed to raise awareness on the importance of collective action in supporting children’s well-being at the critical stage of brain development. This involves all caregivers, including parents and guardians, teachers, health facilities, and the immediate community.

Amref Health Africa Tucheze Tustawi-trained trainers of trainers (TOTs) facilitated the forum, led by Deputy Director, Family Health, Gabriel Lopodo, alongside Peris Nyakundi (Nurse) and Becky Maide (Sub-County Health Promotions Officer).

Participants’ capacities were strengthened on the importance of brain stimulation through play in the early development of children under three years. This includes bonding, interaction, communication, daily learning activities, safe play environments, and safeguarding children.

They were also sensitized on the harmful effects of exposing young children to excessive screen time, with alternative approaches provided. Additionally, participants learned how to support children in self-regulation, emotional awareness, and social skills development while implementing action plans in ECDE centres.

The Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health, Agnes Mana, hailed the teamwork and collaboration between the Departments of Health and Sanitation and the Education sector’s ECDE Directorate. She noted that this partnership has enabled both teams to work together for the benefit of infants and young learners.

“While this project focuses on the healthcare workforce’s provision of Nurturing Care Framework components for early childhood development, there is a lot educators can do to complete the cycle,” she said.

She added that ECDE teachers play a key role in championing the Nurturing Care Framework, promoting play and communication as essential ingredients for learning and brain development, advocating for safe and child-friendly ECDE centres, supporting early learning opportunities, and identifying children with learning difficulties or disabilities for referral to specialized care.

On the other hand, Daniel Esimit, Director for Preventive and Promotive Services, emphasized that the Nurturing Care Framework for early childhood development is one of the most effective ways a country can boost shared prosperity, expand equitable opportunities, and uphold every child’s right to survive and thrive.

“Investing in ECD is cost-effective, as for every shilling spent on ECD interventions, the return on investment can be up to 13 times higher,” he said.

Lopodo, while calling on teachers to be proactive in integrating play-based learning in schools, noted that the foundation for lifelong health, productivity, and well-being is built in the early years, starting from pregnancy.

“Nurturing care is what young children need to develop physically, mentally, and socially,” he said.

Teachers were also sensitized on safeguarding the mental health of young learners, mainstreaming disability in ECDE centres, and creating inclusive, disability-friendly environments. They were further reminded to maintain high standards of hygiene and to safeguard children from potential abuse.

According to Reinhard Anzeze, Technical Officer, Child Health, Tucheze Tustawi, the framework was launched at the World Health Assembly in 2018. He urged educators to become ambassadors, emphasizing that play is not just fun—it is learning, a brain-to-brain interaction.

“We call on you to integrate children with developmental delays or disabilities into mainstream play and learning, promote learning through everyday activities, and encourage children to ask questions and try new things. We also urge you to create safe and stimulating environments while encouraging parents and caregivers to utilize simple play ideas,” he said.

By the end of the training, teachers and daycare centre managers had learned to create play materials and affordable, age-appropriate toys using locally available resources.

Present were Godfrey Akolong (Director, Public Health Services – KISEDP), Gladys Arika (Director, Clinical Services – KISEDP), Sammy Nakido (Sub-County Director for Education), Robert Wasike (County Mental Health Coordinator), Rael Akoru (County School Health Coordinator), Concepta Longole (County Focal Person for Rehabilitation and Disability Mainstreaming), Erupe Johnson (Kakuma Ward Education Officer), and Eregae Emeri (Lokichoggio Ward Education Officer).