Early Child Development
Parents and caregivers gain practical tools to support children’s early learning
What Is at Stake
Young children in rural areas often grow up with limited early learning opportunities. Studies show that more than 60 percent of children in Sub Saharan Africa are at risk of not reaching their developmental potential due to low stimulation and limited access to early learning resources. Research in West Africa also finds that children in rural households experience fewer activities that support language and cognitive growth, such as storytelling, naming objects, or being asked questions.
Long distances to preschools, limited parental support materials, and unequal access to health and nutrition services deepen the challenge. Caregivers who did not attend school often believe they cannot support their child’s learning. Women and youth carry most caregiving responsibilities yet receive little training or guidance.
When these gaps persist, children start school with lower readiness, which affects long term learning, confidence, and wellbeing.
What We Are Doing
The Reinforcement of Parental Practices module strengthens early childhood development by giving parents and caregivers practical tools to support their children’s growth from birth.
Our approach builds on the Community Empowerment Program (CEP) and focuses on simple daily practices that stimulate the brain. Parents learn how to talk to children using richer vocabulary, ask questions, tell stories, copy playful behavior, and describe objects in detail. Facilitators lead these sessions in local languages and link early childhood care to children’s rights, dignity, and wellbeing.
The module also supports collective reflection on social norms that influence parenting. Religious leaders, elders, youth, and caregivers take part in discussions on how to adapt daily practices in ways that reflect new knowledge.
To increase access, communities use Vroom Tips and the Amplio Talking Book, an audio tool for caregivers with limited literacy. These tools help families apply new practices in daily routines.
How does Tostan’s education program foster social transformation ?
What Change Looks Like
Communities report clear improvements in early childhood care.
Parents now speak more with their children and feel confident in their role as first educators. Women and youth caregivers use books and audio tools during daily routines. Storytelling traditions have returned, and elders participate more actively in early learning activities.
Families report less corporal punishment and better school readiness. Children show stronger language, social, and emotional skills. They enter school more prepared to learn and engage.
These changes support lifelong learning, strengthen family relationships, and contribute to a community environment where every child has the chance to grow, thrive, and participate fully in future opportunities.