Early Childhood Development Centers Reach Children and Parents Caught in the Displacement Crisis
Did you know that two out of every five displaced people are children? That’s 47 million young people forced to flee their homes around the world, according to UNHCR.
In the instability and chaos of displacement, the unique needs of this special group can sometimes be overlooked. This is especially true of displaced children below the age of five — at such a critical time in a child’s development, many miss out on the essential, nurturing care that will help them flourish well into adulthood.
The Power of Presence
Kabale’s family has experienced these challenges firsthand. Originally from DR Congo, Kabale fled with his wife and children to a refugee camp in Burundi after escalating conflict put their lives at risk. For their nine children, any sense of normalcy was upended.
Kabale’s life was disrupted, too. He had always worked hard to care for his children’s material needs. But now, he found himself unemployed. Without work, he grappled with his role as a father, uncertain of how to care for his children amid such challenging circumstances. More and more, he felt distant from his family.
But even in their fragile circumstances, God was present in their lives. Soon after they arrived in the camp, Kabale learned about World Relief’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers. For over 10 years, we have been partnering with communities to establish ECD centers in Burundi, Malawi, Rwanda and South Sudan. These centers serve as safe learning environments for children under five while also functioning as training sites for parents, equipping them with helpful tools and information to become more engaged in the development and well-being of their young children.
As the global displacement crisis has grown, we saw the need to expand this vital programming to impacted communities and families like Kabale’s. In FY24, we launched nine new ECD Centers in Burundi, reaching 750 refugee children under the age of four.
Eager to help his children, Kabale seized the opportunity to receive training at his local ECD center. He soon learned how to better engage with and care for his young children. ECD center caregivers reminded him of the importance of being present for his family, especially in their fragile circumstances. His eyes were open to a new way of parenting in the midst of crisis.
“I thought my duty was to provide for my family financially, but I didn’t realize how important it was to be present in my children’s lives,” he said. “Now I understand that my love and support are just as important as providing food and shelter.”
A Journey Toward Flourishing
With the support of the ECD center, Kabale and his family are on the journey toward flourishing even in fragility. He takes pride in bringing his children to the center, eagerly participating in activities that promote their well-being. Now, Kabale even works to ensure other refugees also receive the special care they need amid their difficult circumstances, serving as a volunteer at the ECD center. “I feel like a new man, and my children are happier because I’m there for them,” he shared.
For over 80 years, we have boldly stepped into the world’s greatest crises, ensuring families like Kabale’s don’t fall through the cracks. ECD centers are not just another resource or training opportunity — they are instruments of transformation on the pathway to flourishing. And they remind us that especially in the most fragile moments, the presence of a good father and a supportive community can make all the difference. Thank you for joining us in this important work.