The Challenge:

In the slums of Dhaka, Bangladesh, rapid urbanization coupled with vulnerability to flooding has severely limited access to safe and reliable childcare services. This situation has made it difficult for many families to find affordable childcare, which is crucial for allowing parents to work and improve their living conditions. Click here to verify

"The relentless growth of the city and frequent floods make it nearly impossible to find consistent childcare that we can afford," - Ayesha (a local mother)

The Solution:

To address these challenges, Gaza999 launched a childcare voucher program in Dhaka to enable eligible families to access quality childcare at a subsidized rate. This program aims to bridge the gap between the need for reliable childcare and the economic constraints faced by families in the slums, thus supporting family stability and economic advancement.

"Through these vouchers, we are providing a lifeline to families, helping make quality childcare both accessible and affordable," - Nadia (a program coordinator)

The Implementation:

Nadia led the implementation, starting with the development of an eligibility framework to identify families most in need, based on factors like income, employment status, and specific childcare needs. She established partnerships with a variety of accredited childcare providers throughout Dhaka to ensure a wide range of options for families.

A robust system for issuing and managing the vouchers was set up, facilitating ease of use for families. Nadia also implemented a comprehensive monitoring system to track how the vouchers were used and to ensure they reached and benefited the intended recipients. This system also allowed for ongoing evaluation to gather data and feedback for continuous improvement of the program.

"Every action we take is aimed at strengthening the futures of our children, and these vouchers are a fundamental part of our strategy," - Nadia (a program coordinator)

The Impact:

The childcare voucher program has significantly improved access to childcare for families in the Dhaka slums, enabling parents to pursue employment and educational opportunities with the confidence that their children are cared for in a safe, nurturing environment. The program has also stimulated the local childcare market, promoting economic activity and improving the quality of childcare services offered.

Lessons Learned:

• Effective Eligibility Criteria: Clearly defining eligibility criteria ensured that the vouchers reached families genuinely in need, maximizing the program's impact.

• Partnership Diversity: Creating a broad network of childcare providers has been crucial, ensuring that families have access to services that closely meet their diverse needs.

• Adaptive Management Systems: Developing flexible management and monitoring systems has been essential for maintaining the integrity of the program and responding effectively to the community's needs.