The National Positive Parenting Program (NPPP) aims to educate parents on proper caregiving, creating a safe and nurturing environment for children to thrive and reach their developmental milestones. A key objective is to provide access to economic support and health services, helping parents withstand economic shocks and offer nurturing care to their children. Guided by trained community facilitators and using a group participatory approach, parents are trained on aspects of positive parenting over four months, culminating in a graduation ceremony. Parents receive certificates recognizing their commitment to the program and their positive impact
on families and communities.
Misufini ECD Parenting Group in Ganze Sub-County
Formed and mobilized by the community workforce with local administration assistance, the Misufini Early Childhood Development (ECD) parenting group participated in the NPPP. Over four months, parents received training on gender-transformative parenting, positive parenting skills, child protection, and economic strengthening. These sessions provided a platform for parents to share daily challenges and find timely solutions to build, restore, and strengthen families.
Graduation and Economic Empowerment
During the graduation ceremony, the facilitator, along with the Department of Social Development, encouraged the group to sustain their efforts beyond the program by formally registering their group. This registration opened access to business funds such as the Women Enterprise Fund, Uwezo Fund, and Youth Fund, supporting their growth towards resilience and independence.
Income-Generating Activities and Financial Support
The group embarked on various income-generating activities, including table banking, selling vegetables, and poultry keeping. Under their facilitator's guidance, they applied for and received a Ksh 400,000 cheque from the Youth Enterprise Fund. This financial boost enabled them to acquire a bread-baking machine, producing 40 pieces of bread daily, sold at Ksh 35 each, totaling Ksh 1,400. Their goal is to acquire a larger machine to increase production.
With support from the Cooperative Bank, the group members received education on financial services, allowing them to save and perform business transactions seamlessly. They also received business development training from organizations like World Vision and Kenya Red Cross, enhancing their entrepreneurship, marketing, and group savings skills.
Impact on Families
One group member shared, "Through the business ideas we developed, I can now pay school fees for my child without any problem. We used to argue about finances, but now I feel empowered to manage our finances. Our family is peaceful, and we use positive communication to address any issues, working towards our family vision."
These initiatives demonstrate how combining positive parenting programs with economic empowerment can transform families, providing stability, growth, and a brighter future for children and parents alike.
