Publications  

Kulea Watoto (nurturing children) is a 3 year Conrad N. Hilton Foundation funded initiative. It is implemented by a consortium led by the International Rescue Committee (“IRC”), with sub-awards to four established local partners: Kabarole Research and Resource Centre (KRC), Literacy and Adult Basic Education (LABE), Madrasa Early Childhood Program, and the Centre for the Study of the African Child (AfriChild Centre).

These brief highlights findings from the evidence review that was conducted on “what works for a two generation approach in different geographical contexts” to inform Kulea Watoto implementation. Kulea Watoto (nurturing children) is a 3 year Conrad N. Hilton Foundation funded initiative that aims to enhance access to quality early childhood care and development for children aged 5 and under in refugee and host communities across Yumbe, Kyegegwa, and Kampala in Uganda.

This evidence review set out to interrogate three questions: What is the linkage between livelihood programming, children’s nutrition and early learning? What are the best practices in integrating nutrition in Economic Recovery and Development (ERD)/food security and livelihood interventions/programs? Three sub-questions were developed from the third question to make it more specific: What are the best practices in program design/approach? What are the best practices in program implementation and operation(s)?

The Kulea Watoto project was conceptualized with the objective of increasing cognitive and learning outcomes among children under 5 years old using a two generational approach in which interventions are implemented with both parents and the children. The project is also founded upon the nurturing care framework which is intended to influence key outcomes including adequate nutrition, good health, responsive caregiving, safety and security and opportunities for early learning.