Report - Bernard van Leer Foundation

Appendix 9Community Knowledge & Beliefs about the Care and Education of Their Young ChildrenCharacteristics of a Good Caregiver for Young Children - As Identified by CommunitiesA good caregiver of young children is someone who …• is a gentle person,• has good character – not drunkard;• doesn’t shout,• is not rude,• observes children• explains things to children;• encourages children• plays with children• allows children to experiment & experience things• makes children feel secure• has children of their own• is there with childrenWomen’s Groups - Alkaria & MegwaraWhat Their Young Children Need to Develop Well – As Identified by Communities• Love• Security• Encouragement• Gentleness• Politeness• Their Confidence to be nurtured• Proper nutrition• Things to play with• Safe place to be• Sibling interactionWhat Their Young Children Need to Learn - As Identified by Communities• Maasai culture• Traditional values & respect of age groupings• Kimaasai language• Their gender roles, responsibilities and associated skills within the family &community context64