Dunia Rafiki
“A promising start in life for every child.”
Who we are
Dunia Rafiki is a pioneering organization working for the rights of marginalized children to Early Childhood Development. Our work spans from grassroot level interventions to policy advocacy at the national level.
We have joined the Early Childhood Development Action Network (ECDAN) as an organizational partner. As a partner, we are committed to supporting ECDAN’s mission of driving collective action with and for young children and their caregivers by connecting and aligning partners, sharing knowledge and good practice, and advocating for better policies, more resources and accountability for results.
The Problem
Many of the 8.5 million children under the age of 5 in Tanzania are not reaching their developmental potential. Substantial evidence has shown that early childhood development (ECD) programs spanning education, child and social protection, and health and nutrition are needed by young children and their families. Insufficient public funding, lack of trained childcare providers and inadequate infrastructure contribute to the shortage of childcare services. While the country has made dramatic progress in some areas, many challenges remain to ensure that children thrive.
Why invest in ECD?
Early childhood is the most critical phase of human development. It starts from conception, when a baby’s body and brain are formed, continues through early infancy when essential relationships are established and developmental milestones are reached. Understanding the need to invest in early childhood development (ECD) is essential in maximizing the future well-being of young children. An investment in high-quality ECD is the best investment a country can make.
Our Solution
We provide holistic development to children between the age(s) of birth to five while fighting for their rights nationally. At the core of all Dunia Rafiki Initiatives are our Center-based Day Care Model and Home-based program, with its five major components - Health and Hygiene, Nutrition, Education, Responsive Caregiving and Community Communication - and the Childcare worker, as the lynchpin, at its very center.