On June 3, 2025, Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO, with the support of UNICEF, hosted a grassroots workshop under the Kuwa Kocha Campaign, a transformative initiative designed to promote nurturing care for children.
What is Kuwa Kocha?
“Kuwa Kocha” translates to “Be a Champion,” a call to action for community members to take an active role in raising children holistically. Since its inception in Busia County, the campaign has leveraged radio and other media platforms to reach caregivers with vital messages on positive parenting. However, many caregivers especially mothers have faced challenges accessing these messages due to their demanding daily routines.
Recognizing this gap, Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO organized a one-day interactive workshop to take these teachings to the grassroots.
A Day of Learning and Connection
The workshop, held at the Budokomi Store was chosen for its proximity to Munongo, Esikulu, and Mayenje dispensaries brought together 78 participants, including mothers, fathers, caregivers and children.
“We are here to empower you with knowledge that will transform not just your children’s lives but the entire community,” said Maureene Ayodi, Director of Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO, during her opening remarks.
The Five Pillars of Nurturing Care
Participants explored the five core pillars of nurturing care:
- Good Health – Emphasizing physical, emotional, and mental well-being for both the caregiver and the child.
- Adequate Nutrition – Teaching the value of balanced diets and exclusive breastfeeding.
- Responsive Caregiving – Guiding caregivers to recognize and address their children’s needs.
- Safety and Security – Promoting violence free and safe environments for children.
- Early Learning Opportunities – Encouraging caregivers to expose children to stimulating interactions and environments.
“The first 1,000 days of a child’s life are the most critical,” explained the facilitator. “They shape their development for a lifetime.”
To make the concepts relatable, role plays such as feeding toddlers and managing household responsibilities collaboratively were done. Fathers were encouraged to actively participate in child upbringing. Group discussions were conducted in Swahili and the local dialect and also the participants shared personal experiences, from the joys of parenting to the challenges of ensuring adequate nutrition or managing household responsibilities.
Breaking Barriers and Building Champions
The interactive sessions highlighted key issues:
- Fathers’ involvement in caregiving is often minimal. Through discussions, fathers were encouraged to share responsibilities, from attending clinic visits to helping with house chores.
- Myths and misconceptions, such as the belief that exclusive breastfeeding is unnecessary, were debunked.
- Single fathers shared their struggles, including stigma when performing caregiving roles traditionally assigned to women.
A Memorable Experience for All
Children were not left out; they enjoyed nutritious porridge and coloring activities while parents delved into serious discussions. Meals were provided to everyone, turning the day into not just a workshop but a celebration of community.
The day ended with a powerful affirmation: Every participant pledged to become a Kocha, committed to nurturing care and positive parenting.
Looking Forward
Despite the success, challenges such as limited access to early learning resources and low male participation remain. Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO recommends follow-up workshops and further outreach to ensure these teachings reach every corner of Busia County.
Special Thanks
Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO greatly appreciates UNICEF for their financial support, caregiver booklets and dedication to nurturing care. Together, we are making steps towards empowering families for better childhood development in Busia County.
“We are Kochas !
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