NAYA Empowers Young Mothers in Eastleigh Workshop on Parenting and Child Healthcare
The Network for Adolescent and Youth of Africa (NAYA) community workshop in Eastleigh, aimed at educating young mothers on essential aspects of parenting, child healthcare, and the importance of facility-based childbirth.
By Aoma Keziah,
The Network for Adolescent and Youth of Africa (NAYA) recently a community workshop in Eastleigh, aimed at educating young mothers on essential aspects of parenting, child healthcare, and the importance of facility-based childbirth. The session, held at the Eastleigh, brought together young mothers and community health promoters to discuss a variety of topics to support healthy family practices and improve outcomes for both mothers and children.
Caroline Njeri, a Community Health Promoter based at Eastleigh Health Centre, emphasized the importance of raising awareness on safe childbirth, encouraging mothers to utilize healthcare facilities for delivery instead of opting for home births.
“It is critical for mothers to understand that giving birth at a healthcare facility not only ensures their safety but also helps them access immediate postnatal care for their newborns.” Njeri explained.
The workshop also stressed the significance of obtaining birth certificates, a process made easier when mothers give birth at healthcare facilities. This vital document secures the child’s legal identity and enables access to essential services, including education.
In addition to birth-related education, Njeri addressed broader aspects of child development, advising parents to allow their children to interact and play with others for healthy social growth.
“When children play outside and interact, they develop focus and learn to engage with the world around them. Parents should create safe spaces for such interactions to aid their children’s physical and emotional development.” She noted.
The session also tackled the issue of school attendance, with Njeri advising parents to work closely with local administrations if they face difficulties enrolling their children in school. She emphasized the role of parents as role models, particularly highlighting how household conflicts, such as gender-based violence (GBV), can adversely affect children.
“When children witness their parents constantly fighting, it leaves a lasting impact on their mental well-being, parents should foster peaceful home environments.” Njeri added.
The importance of family planning was also a focal point, that family planning allows mothers to space their children, ultimately leading to better care and attention for each child, adding that Family planning is critical for young mothers who may not be ready to take care of multiple children at once. Health promoters encouraged young mothers that regular growth monitoring and vaccinations at the clinics to track children’s development to ensure they receive the full range of immunizations.
One of the challenges discussed was the hesitation of young mothers to seek family planning services alongside older women, as many expressed feeling uncomfortable or judged. As a solution, they suggested setting up a dedicated clinic specifically for young mothers to access family planning and other reproductive health services with peers closer to their age. Eastleigh Health Centre currently has an adolescent sexual and reproductive health clinic, where young people can receive these services in a more comfortable environment, supported by nurses of similar age.
Through these initiatives, NAYA and community health workers aim to empower young mothers with knowledge and support, helping them to raise healthy children and create nurturing family environments. This workshop is part of NAYA’s ongoing commitment to fostering resilient communities by investing in youth and maternal health.
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The Mt Kenya Times 