ACK St. Peters Church Compound, Milimani, Along Omolo Agar Rd, Kisumu +254 726947044 ads@ads-nyanza.org

Early Childhood Development & Education

Moments That Matter

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About the Program

We collaborate closely with communities and vulnerable households with children aged 0–3 years to promote nurturing care for early childhood development. Our focus is on fostering positive parenting practices, promoting social behavior change, and encouraging male involvement in caregiving roles.

We empower primary caregivers with the knowledge and resources needed to support their children’s holistic development—ensuring that young children not only survive but thrive during these critical years.

Additionally, we partner with faith leaders and local institutions to enhance psychosocial support for caregivers and advocate for policies that prioritize early childhood development.

Moments that Matter® Program Highlights

Innovative, evidence-based tools and approaches, developed in collaboration with Episcopal Relief & Development, that transform caregiving practices and early learning environments in vulnerable communities.

The Babahood Manual

A critical guide promoting positive fatherhood and active male engagement in early childcare. This intervention addresses unsupportive caregiving environments and fosters stronger family bonds.

Community Caregiver Circles

Regular, facilitated discussion groups where 11,930 vulnerable caregivers receive peer support, share experiences, and learn vital skills in child stimulation, discipline, and managing caregiving stress.

Trained Community Volunteers & Leaders

Collaborating with Faith Leaders and trained Community Volunteers to integrate nurturing care messages, sustain caregiver well-being, and drive lasting social and behavior change in communities.

Where We Work

The Moments That Matter (MTM) program is actively implemented across five counties in Western Kenya: Homa Bay, Kisumu, Nyamira, Siaya, and Vihiga. We focus on reaching families in remote and underserved areas. Through collaborations with community health volunteers, faith leaders, and early learning centers, we create nurturing environments for children aged 0–3 years.

Our footprint continues to expand as we work with partners to strengthen early childhood systems and community support structures across the region.

Homa Bay County

Kisumu County

Nyamira County

Siaya County

Vihiga County

Success Stories: Moments of Transformation

The Moments That Matter® (MTM) program is reshaping families across Western Kenya. Read stories of hope, resilience, and renewed purpose from the caregivers who are building brighter futures.

FEATURED FATHER

From Cultural Norms to Responsive Fatherhood

Joshua's Transformation: Male Engagement in Nyamira County

Joshua Mong’are, a casual labourer, initially dismissed childcare as "wifely matters." Through the MTM Program, he made a startling discovery: his unborn child could hear his voice in the womb.

The Impact: Joshua now talks to his unborn child daily and actively plays with his 2.5-year-old son, Ocharo, leading to Ocharo becoming social and following simple instructions. Critically, sharing responsibilities improved harmony and reduced misunderstandings with his pregnant wife, Wilter, proving that family well-being is a shared task.

A father, Joshua, playing with his son or holding his pregnant wife's hand in Nyamira.

PEER RESILIENCE

From Isolation to Confidence: The Power of Peer Support

Elizabeth's Transformation: Caregiver Well-being in Kisumu County

The Crisis: Young mother Elizabeth Atieno, introverted and isolated in Kisumu, faced postpartum depression and crippling shame over her son Samuel's severe tantrums. She confessed: *"I lost a lot of confidence and became depressed."*

The Breakthrough: A single act of kindness from an MTM promoter led Elizabeth to the Caregiver Support and Learning Group. Through vital peer support and child development training, the tantrums stopped, her loving bond was restored, and her relationship with her husband improved.

*"The group is always my solace. I have gained confidence and have become a better parent."*

Elizabeth Atieno, MTM Caregiver

Elizabeth, a confident mother, happily playing with her son Samuel in Kisumu, reflecting their improved bond.

Elizabeth in a caregiver support group session, surrounded by other women, symbolizing community and peer support.

HOLISTIC IMPACT

The 60-Year-Old Champion: Intergenerational Male Engagement

Pius & Maslyne's Success: Family Unity and Livelihoods in Kisumu County

Transforming Fatherhood: At 60, Pius Ochieng surprised many by becoming a dedicated MTM participant. He now bonds deeply with baby Esther, sharing: "I discovered a stronger bond with this newborn than I ever had with our older children."

Holistic Impact: Pius's support is "life-changing" for Maslyne—he helps with breastfeeding, plays with Esther (who is thriving cognitively, copying actions from FAMA cards), and brought "more peace and unity" to their home.

Livelihood: Established a kitchen garden for better nutrition and income.
Financial Security: Joined a Saving with Education (SWE) group for disciplined financial planning.

Pius Ochieng, a 60-year-old father, playing with his baby Esther, showing strong male engagement.

Pius and Maslyne tending to their new kitchen garden in Kisumu, demonstrating household nutrition improvement.

Measuring Our Impact: Nurturing Care at Scale

The Moments That Matter® (MTM) program is reshaping early childhood development across five counties in Western Kenya by delivering targeted, evidence-based care to the most vulnerable households.

13,362

Children Reached (Aged 0-3)

Direct beneficiaries receiving essential early stimulation and nurturing care interventions.

11,930

Vulnerable Caregivers Empowered

Caregivers equipped with knowledge on positive parenting, child development, and psychosocial well-being.

5

Counties in Western Kenya

Sustained program implementation across Homa Bay, Kisumu, Nyamira, Siaya, and Vihiga.

This collective effort ensures that the most vulnerable young children not only survive but are given the foundation to thrive through their critical early years.