EnableMe Kenya and The Action Foundation have formed a dynamic partnership to promote early childhood care and education in Kenya. As part of the collaboration, The Action Foundation has agreed to include their Early Childhood Care & Education Referral Directory data with over 400 listings to the EnableMe digital directory of disability related services to be launched later on this year. This has been pivotal in addressing the needs and challenges faced by young children in accessing quality education. EnableMe Kenya will also play a key role in supporting The Action Foundation to create publicity for their interventions through the platform.
Introduction
Early childhood is a crucial stage in a child's development, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and well-being. However, many children in Kenya face barriers in accessing information about education, such as a lack of awareness about available resources and limited access to essential services. EnableMe Kenya and The Action Foundation recognized the need to bridge this gap and took proactive steps towards this.
EnableMe Kenya
In 2019, the United Disabled Persons of Kenya, Light for the World Kenya and EnableMe (founded in Switzerland) joined forces to establish an online resource platform and online community for persons with disabilities in Kenya. Understanding the importance of early childhood education in a child's development, EnableMe Kenya actively sought partnerships to enhance their impact on the lives of children with disabilities.
The Action Foundation
The Action Foundation (TAF) is a community-driven organisation registered in Kenya that is working to end exclusion, discrimination, and violence towards children, women, and girls with disabilities in marginalised communities. They work to reach those furthest from necessary services and opportunities by working with their caregivers and the community around them. They recognize the critical role that early childhood care and education play in shaping a child's future. With the objective of ensuring equitable access to quality education, The Action Foundation has been at the forefront of numerous initiatives to improve educational opportunities for vulnerable communities in Kenya.
The Early Childhood Care & Education Referral Directory
The partnership between EnableMe Kenya and The Action Foundation resulted in the inclusion of the Early Childhood Care & Education Referral Directory in the EnableMe Digital Disability related services directory. This comprehensive directory serves as a central resource for parents, caregivers, and service providers, offering a range of information related to disability related services. It includes details about specialised schools, inclusive learning centres, therapists, and other support services across Kenya.
The directory categorises services based on different criteria such as location, type of disability, and specific educational requirements. By organising this information in a user-friendly format, the directory empowers families and caregivers to make informed decisions. It also helps service providers connect with families in need of their services, further strengthening the support system for persons with disabilities.
Impact
Coming up on the launch, the partnership between EnableMe Kenya and The Action Foundation will have a significant impact on the lives of children and persons with disabilities in Kenya. The directory is an invaluable resource for those seeking information.
By streamlining the process of connecting families with specialised schools and service providers, the directory will improve access to quality education for many children with disabilities. Families no longer have to rely solely on word-of-mouth recommendations or spend excessive time and effort researching available options.
Conclusion
The success of this partnership serves as an excellent example of how collaboration and innovation can facilitate positive change in early childhood care and education. By joining forces, EnableMe Kenya and The Action Foundation have demonstrated how organisations can create a lasting impact on the lives of children with disabilities and their families.
In conclusion, the partnership between EnableMe Kenya and The Action Foundation has been a remarkable endeavour. Together, we have made significant progress towards ensuring access to quality information on education for all children in Kenya, especially those with disabilities.