As part of our partnership with Paris-Dauphine University, parenting support sessions are in full swing in the Dhading region of Nepal. 42 groups of 10 parents have already taken part in a first meeting in recent weeks to get to know each other and break the ice!
The participating mothers and fathers, aged between 20 and 35, all have children under 3 in common, and live in the municipality of Gajuri. Most of them work in the agricultural sector, and live in difficult conditions, far from the towns and without direct access to quality care and education services. After home visits to present the parenting support program, 1,000 families were identified and 500 randomly selected to participate.
Sessions take place in villages in the Dhading hills, in village halls, schools or, when these are unavailable, in the homes of participating families.
As many parents can't read or write, images, small-group discussions and games are used to get everyone involved.
In total, each parent will take part in 15 parenting support sessions within his or her group of 10 people. 17 groups have already addressed the 2e session on the importance of the first 1,000 days of a child's life, to raise awareness of the developmental stages of the young child and the associated needs.
"I'm really happy to come because I realize it's for our children's future. I realize that spending time with my children is important. I try to play with them more and I can see that it makes them happy.
Gita Chepang.
A major challenge is to ensure the long-term commitment of fathers, who are often less motivated or available.
