Guide for teachers and their schools

Children are born into families, but as we know from the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Children's survival and development are the result of the combined efforts of the family and community, their cultural practices and customs, and their environmental living conditions.

Children's first learning experiences happen at home. Later, as their world gradually expands beyond the home, their exposure to other people and institutions— including daycare centers, schools, churches, healthcare facilities and community organizations—dramatically influences their development. Parents count on these support services to help their family and children thrive.

Thus, there is a strong connection between family and community. The positive synergy between these two elements helps a child develop and lead a healthy and productive life.

The reality of our community is that there are many problems related to health, education, nutrition, safe drinking water, etc. Our role as educators requires us to interact not only with children, but with their parents and other members of the community.

This guide discusses a simple way to address the health of children under 5 and pregnant women with parents and members of their community