The strengthening of relationships between child and mother: A reflection by our childcare workers
by Bernadette, Jackline, and Gladys, Neema’s childcare workers
Children of Neema students
We have noticed that the babies have improved emotionally since coming to Neema as compared to their life before Neema where they were lacking nutritious food, and for some, parental love. But here they have a balanced diet, and through the sessions and advice, the mothers have started showing them love. These babies have been provided with clothing, and we also have a time where we teach them how to pray, sing, and also read on charts. This has helped them because they can identify animals and fruits on the charts. Also, when the children see their mothers coming from class, they show happiness, which tells us that they have bonded with their mothers.
Some of the young women who came with their babies had negative attitudes towards their babies. But through the sessions and their experiences they have really improved. Through the sessions that we have, we have been sharing with them about hygiene, motherly love, and taking care of their children in our absence. We have noticed that they have greatly improved. Also, through the teachings from Neema staff — the matrons, the counselors, and the uncles, especially Enoch — they have really been impacted. Immediately when the bell rings for break and for lunch they come and bond with their babies.
Bernadette shared her own story with the girls: “When I dropped out of school because I got pregnant, I thought it was the end of my life. But later I realized that I had to move on with my baby. He is now a grown-up man, and he is now the one supporting me.” She says, “My sharing gave them encouragement to keep on going no matter what the circumstances.”
Furthermore, Mercy, who is the mother to Jayden, approached us (the childcare givers) and handed us a letter. She was grateful to Neema for giving her a chance. At this point her baby was six months old. He was weak and got sick a lot of the time. Seeing her baby sick made her lose hope. But through the medication support, and also the counseling, the baby got healed, and he is now a strong boy walking by himself. She also appreciated us caring for him while she was in class.
Alice, a first-year student who is the mother of Bravin, is happy seeing her boy active and interacting with other children, because when he was at home he was not active.
We asked a few of our staff working in childcare why they wanted to work in childcare and support the young women at Neema. Here’s what three of these women said:
Bernadette: I wanted to work in childcare so I could nurture the young women by caring and loving their babies while they’re young and also mentor them about bonding with their babies and advise them on how to do this.
Jackline: To take care of the babies and look after them while their mothers are in class.
Gladys: In order to make them comfortable while in class so the girls can concentrate on their skills.
Bernadette Wanjala,
Childcare Worker & Part-Time Farm Assistant
Jacklyne Koech,
Childcare Worker & Part-Time Kitchen Assistant
Gladys Nangila,
Weekend Matron & Part-Time Childcare Worker
