Kidogo Hosts Mamapreneur Gala Celebrating Women in Early Childhood Education
Kidogo, Kenya’s pioneering childcare network, marked a significant milestone by hosting its Annual Mamapreneur Gala at St. Andrews P.C.E.A Nyerere Road in Nairobi.
The event, held on November 16, 2024, celebrated the transformative role of “Mamapreneurs” women entrepreneurs who are revolutionizing early childhood education and care across Kenya’s informal settlements.
The Gala, which has become a signature event for Kidogo, highlighted the inspiring stories of women who are not only providing safe and high-quality childcare but also empowering entire communities. Kidogo’s Mamapreneurs are community leaders who run childcare centers, offering thousands of children access to nurturing, play-based environments that support their holistic development.
Impact of Kidogo’s Mamapreneur Model
This year’s event emphasized the profound social and economic impact of Kidogo’s Mamapreneur Model, which has created a “Triple Impact” across three key groups: children, Mamapreneurs, and working parents.
Children: Kidogo’s network provides a nurturing, play-based learning environment that fosters essential cognitive, emotional, and social development.
Mamapreneurs: Women running childcare centers through Kidogo gain economic independence, acquire leadership skills, and build sustainable businesses that contribute to their families’ well-being.
Working Parents: The availability of affordable, high-quality childcare allows parents, particularly women, to pursue employment and ensure economic stability for their families.
Speaking at the event, Ruth Owuor, Director of Education for Nairobi City County, emphasized the importance of partnerships between organizations like Kidogo and local governments in improving the quality of childcare, especially in informal sectors.
She noted, “We have formed a multisectoral approach at the county level, working with community-based initiatives like Kidogo. This ensures that children in our communities receive the quality childcare they deserve.”
Stories of Resilience and Growth
The event also showcased the voices of Mamapreneurs who have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of Kidogo’s training and support. Dominic Nyakako, a caregiver from Kayole Community School, shared how the1 quality of childcare has improved in his community since joining Kidogo.
“Since we became involved in Kidogo, we’ve seen marked improvements in child nutrition, health checks, and overall development,” he said. “Joining Kidogo has made a huge difference in my community.”
Mary Mutio, who runs a daycare in Kitengela, also praised the support she received from Kidogo.
“I started my daycare in 2020, and through Kidogo, I’ve been able to improve the quality of care I provide. The training and monthly meetings have equipped me with better knowledge in health and growth for the children,” she shared. However, she also highlighted challenges around licensing, noting a gap in the way caregivers are categorized by local authorities.
Addressing the Childcare Crisis
At the heart of the celebration was a call to action regarding the global childcare crisis.
Sabrina Habib, Co-Founder and CEO of Kidogo, shared the organization’s vision of creating lasting change for children in Kenya’s informal settlements. Reflecting on Kidogo’s journey, Habib said, “More than 10 years ago, Kidogo was just a small idea, but today, we are directly impacting the lives of over 50,000 children across eight counties. We provide them with quality, safe, stimulating, and nutritious experiences.”
Kidogo’s reach spans informal settlements in Kenya, where over 50,000 children benefit daily from early childhood education.
Sabrina Habib underscored the importance of investing in the youngest generation, stating, “Children are our future. To create a thriving society, we must ensure that every child receives a good start in life — through access to quality childcare.”
Looking ahead, Kidogo remains committed to expanding its network and continuing its advocacy for early childhood education. The organization is working with local governments, partners, and communities to ensure that more children receive the early education they need to thrive.
As Habib put it, “If we can provide good development in terms of nutrition, health, and social growth for children in informal settlements, we are helping to break the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future.”
Kidogo’s Mamapreneur Gala highlighted the transformative power of community-driven solutions in addressing the childcare crisis. By empowering women, enhancing educational outcomes, and fostering economic independence, Kidogo is playing a crucial role in reshaping Kenya’s childcare landscape. With nearly 2,000 Mamapreneurs serving over 50,000 children, Kidogo’s work is a testament to the immense potential of localized solutions in tackling global challenges.
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