GLOBAL SPOKESPEOPLE

In a space donated by the community for the project, children attend twice-weekly reading classes and parents attend a programme of sessions designed to help them support their children's home-learning and education with confidence and care. A full case study for Jenaica's family is available. Mohanna's mum Mojipa attended the parenting sessions. In Mojipa's own words: "I live five minutes by motorbike from here [the ECCD corner]. I live with my husband and children. My husband works as a security guard. I have a four-year-old daughter and one-year-old boy. I joined First Read in 2017. I completed nine sessions. I started coming and learned to care for my daughter and love my daughter – to protect my daughter and her development. I learned how to read with my daughter at home. We read Save the Children books and do storytelling right after I’ve done the chores and in the evening before bedtime at 8pm. One of my ways to keep her at home is to let her read. I’ve seen the changes in my child. She’s able to play with other children. She’s a happy child. She only gets shy when she sees others. I want her to finish her studies. I want her to become a teacher and help other children in the community. Since coming to the sessions, Mohanna speaks well and can communicate what she needs. She does singing, dancing, play activities. I also learned about backyard gardening at home – how to grow nutritious food. I advised other children and people not to engage with strangers – to stay safe. Sometimes I tell my husband what I’ve learned and he tries to support. Sometimes me and my husband do reading with both children as a family. Other times, my husband does it. One best thing is that it helps me be more aware of how to take care of our children and at the same time it’s an opportunity to help our children prepare for their future."

Grace, 11 and her family were displaced after Cyclone Ana hit their island, bursting the banks of the River Shira and flooding their home and surrounding area. They were rescued in a canoe and taken to a refugee camp, which her father, Banda, is one of the leaders at. In the floods they lost everything and arrived with only the clothes on their back. Grace is still scared to talk abut the floods. Grace was supported by Save the Children child protection officer to support her through the trauma and gradually has found her love of singing and dancing again.