In a small farming town in western Kenya, Laban and his wife, Jane, found themselves in an unexpected role—taking care of their young granddaughter while their daughter pursued her business degree. Like many men in his community, Laban initially believed caregiving was a task for women. He left most of the responsibility to Jane, as he had when they raised their own children.
But everything changed when Laban and Jane became part of the Moments That Matter® (MTM) program, a collaboration between Episcopal Relief & Development and ADS-NYANZA, focused on Early Childhood Development (ECD). The program introduced them to new ways of thinking about childhood care, especially the importance of male involvement. Laban quickly learned that his participation wasn’t just helpful—it was crucial.
For Laban, understanding the importance of play was a revelation. What he once saw as merely fun was, in fact, essential for his granddaughter’s learning and emotional growth. As he began to engage in games and activities with her, he realized that this wasn’t just about entertainment—it was about nurturing her development, forming a deep bond, and actively contributing to her future success.
Today, Laban is fully engaged in his granddaughter’s life, sharing caregiving responsibilities with Jane. This shift has not only brought him closer to his granddaughter but has also transformed how he views fatherhood and grandparenting. The MTM program has helped Laban and many others in his community see the value of shared caregiving. Through this experience, Laban has embraced a new role—one that has enriched both his life and his granddaughter’s, creating moments that will shape her future.
For Laban, this journey has been eye-opening and deeply rewarding, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his family’s story. Read more about their inspiring story at episcopalrelief.org/stories/the-power-of-play/.