Kurwa Solo enrolled Macklina at the Itanji Play Lab in Tanzania in February 2019 because she was impressed by the level of child care at the centre and the overall environment. With the outbreak of COVID 19 and life getting more challenging, mothers like Kurwa were worried about their children’s development due to the centre closing for a while.

BRAC supported the community members by training them on how to take care of themselves during the outbreak, and ensuring they do not contract the disease. Furthermore, all programme participants were provided with a care package, which included a colouring book and crayons to continue learning at home. In addition, food, soap, and sanitisers were also given. Kurwa shares, “The support enabled my family to improve hygiene and take more precautions on COVID 19 and combat frequent food shortages in my house”.

Kurwa shares that it is evident that the Play Lab learnings have helped improve her daughter’s reading and counting skills. Macklina now enjoys attending school because it uses fun and exciting methods for the children to learn.

Kurwa is grateful to BRAC Tanzania for the learning support that was provided during the lockdown. She adds that “The radio programme ‘MALEZI NA BRAC’, which is aired three times weekly on TBC radio, has helped me continue teaching my child at home. I have learned a lot about parenting, nutrition, and child safety”.