Childhood which begins at mother’s pregnancy is a period of significant human development. The capabilities that children develop during this period of growth lay the foundation for school achievement, economic self-sufficiency, responsible adult behaviour and lifelong health. As a result, the experiences in childhood have lifelong consequences. DRF believes that the ECD approach being taken at the learning centres designed on the three (3) components of Talk, Read and Play present a theory of change that will greatly benefit Uganda’s children in the long run as highlighted by UNESCO (2014):“Literacy is a basis for lifelong learning and plays a crucial foundational role in the creation of sustainable, prosperous and peaceful societies…Literacy is essential for eradicating poverty, reducing child mortality, curbing population growth, achieving gender equality and ensuring sustainable development, peace and democracy.
In Uganda 16 women die due to pregnancy related illnesses! Health and poverty are inextricably linked. By reducing maternal mortality, fewer children will be orphaned and requiring support from extended families. By reducing anaemia and improving women’s health during pregnancy, women will be able to continue with their existing responsibilities, bringing in income, and households will not lose income through costly emergency visits to hospitals and medication. By ensuring pregnant women and children are vaccinated (tetanus, measles and TB), these conditions will not affect families and enable valuable household resources to be used elsewhere. By reducing malnutrition and illness among children, attendance and achievement at school will improve and in the long-term lead to improved life opportunities