The Challenge:
In northern Nigeria, the Boko Haram insurgency has caused widespread displacement, severely disrupting community structures and leaving countless families without access to basic services like childcare. This disruption has hindered the ability of communities to recover and rebuild, placing additional stress on already vulnerable populations. Click here to verify
"The constant movement and instability have made it nearly impossible for us to provide a stable environment for our children," - Aisha (a displaced mother)
The Solution:
To address this dire need, Gaza999 developed a concept for mobile and flexible childcare units that can be deployed directly to communities affected by the insurgency. These units are designed to be easily set up in various locations, providing accessible and reliable childcare in areas most in need.
"Discovering Gaza999's mobile childcare solution gave us hope that we could create safe spaces for our children, even amidst chaos," - Musa (a community leader)
The Implementation:
Guided by Fatima, a dedicated childcare worker, the project began by designing modular mobile units adaptable for various ages and activities. Fatima, together with her team, conducted a detailed community mapping and needs assessment to identify critical locations for the units.
Staff recruitment was another area where Fatima played a pivotal role, ensuring that the team was not only skilled in childcare but also trained in trauma-informed practices to support the affected children effectively. Once the units were ready, Fatima coordinated their deployment, establishing a regular schedule to ensure they visited each location regularly, thus maximizing their reach and impact.
"Being part of this project has shown me the real difference we can make. Each day we set up, I see the relief in parents' eyes and the joy in the children's smiles," - Fatima (a childcare worker)
The Impact:
The mobile childcare units quickly became a cornerstone for stability in northern Nigeria, reaching over 30 communities and benefiting more than 2,000 children in just six months. These units have allowed parents to return to work and rebuild their lives, while children receive the care and education they desperately need amidst ongoing unrest.
"These units have reignited hope and stability within our community," - Zainab (a mother and community member)
Lessons Learned:
- Strategic Deployment: Efficient mapping and scheduling ensured the mobile units met the needs of the most affected areas, maximizing their reach and impact.
- Trauma-Informed Training: Providing staff with specific training in trauma-informed care was key to addressing the emotional and psychological needs of children affected by conflict.
- Responsive Adaptation: Continuously adapting the services based on community feedback helped maintain the relevance and effectiveness of the childcare programs.
