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

ADS Nyanza Impact Report

The Success

"Moments That Matter": Documenting the Nurturing Care Revolution in Nyanza.

LATEST SUMMIT

ECDE Partner Summit: Collaborative Progress in Kisumu County

ACACIA HOTEL, KISUMU

The Quarterly ECDE Meeting highlighted the strong collaboration between the Kisumu County Government and partners in advancing early childhood development outcomes. Discussions focused on quality service delivery across responsive caregiving, pre-primary education, and climate resilience.

ADS Nyanza was recognized as a key partner through the Moments That Matter (MtM) Program, which promotes nurturing care for children aged 0–3 years. Priority actions for the next quarter include scaling up MTM activities, strengthening nutrition linkages, and expanding climate-resilient kitchen gardens.

Caregiver Spotlight

Elizabeth Atieno

MTM Caregiver, Kisumu

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

90%

Increase in Parental Confidence

Program Goals

Responsive Caregiving
Nutrition & Health
Early Learning & Safety

Human Interest: Transforming Families Across the Nyanza Region

The 60-Year-Old Champion

Family Unity & Livelihoods • Kisumu

At 60, Pius Ochieng surprised his village by becoming a dedicated MTM participant. He has transitioned from a detached patriarchal figure to a hands-on caregiver for baby Esther. "I discovered a stronger bond with this newborn than I ever had with my older children," he shares.

His support has been "life-changing" for his wife, Maslyne—he helps with breastfeeding and plays with Esther using FAMA cards. Esther is now thriving cognitively, mimicking actions and reaching new milestones daily.

Livelihood: Flourishing kitchen garden for nutrition.

Security: Joined a disciplined SWE savings group.

Breaking Cultural Norms

Fatherhood Revolution • Nyamira

For Joshua Mong'are, fatherhood began with a whisper. After learning that infants recognize voices in the womb, he started a daily ritual of prenatal bonding. This simple act shattered generations of "silent fatherhood" stigmas.

Joshua now champions the belief that family well-being is a shared task. Beyond his own home, he leads a circle of 15 young fathers, proving that the strongest foundations for a child’s future are built before the first breath.

"Family well-being is no longer a silent task."

From Isolation to Confidence

Health & Resilience Feature

THE CRISIS— Young mother Elizabeth Atieno once faced a world of shadows. Introverted and isolated in Kisumu, she struggled with postpartum depression and the crippling shame of her son Samuel's severe tantrums. "I lost a lot of confidence and became depressed," she recalls.

THE BREAKTHROUGH— A single act of kindness from an MTM promoter led her to the Caregiver Support and Learning Group. Through peer support and child development training, the tantrums stopped, her loving bond was restored, and her relationship with her husband flourished.

Elizabeth: "I have become a better parent."

Stay updated on our latest programs, success stories, and community initiatives. Join us in empowering lives and promoting sustainable development across Nyanza.

Get In Touch

St. Peters Church Milimani, Along Omolo Agar Road, Kisumu, Kenya

ads@ads-nyanza.org

+254 726947044

Our Programs

Early Childhood Development Integrated Climate Resilience Project People's Empowerment for Sustainability Project Global Fund Kaleidoscope West Kenya Peace Initiative Emergency Response