How childcare can break the cycle of poverty in Ethiopia

In Ethiopia’s Sidama region, lack of affordable childcare limits children’s development and keeps mothers out of work. A new initiative is changing that—through early intervention, local ownership, and long-term impact.

About the project

This project addresses a critical gap: access to safe, high-quality early childhood care. Without it, children miss vital developmental milestones, while mothers are locked out of economic opportunities.

At the heart of the initiative is a model childcare centre that sets a new standard for quality. It is combined with training for childcare staff and parental coaches, ensuring that learning and development continue at home.

The project is deeply rooted in local collaboration, with government partners committed to taking over operations—ensuring sustainability and scale.

What the Kavli Trust funding will support

Funding from the Kavli Trust will help to:

• Establish a high-quality model childcare centre
• Train and mentor childcare professionals
• Train 50 parental coaches reaching thousands of families
• Develop systems for quality assurance and evaluation
• Strengthen public sector capacity for long-term implementation

This is a strategic investment in early intervention and prevention—delivering strong social returns and long-term economic benefits.

About Partnership for Change

Partnership for Change is a Norwegian NGO working to promote inclusive economic growth and gender equality. By developing early childhood care and education systems, the organisation creates a “triple win”: better outcomes for children, increased economic participation for women, and stronger local economies.

Their approach combines professional expertise with strong local anchoring to deliver lasting, systemic change.