Parenting Program Boosts Child Growth and Family Unity in Tororo; ECD endline and follow up activities

During this period, the ECD team of researchers led by Dr. Esther Kobel conducted the end-line and follow up studies with 900 parents / care and their children in the sub counties of Mella and Kalait Tororo District. The follow up was a 12 months after baseline. The ECD trial had a robust tracking and communication strategies to ensure retention of parents/caregivers and their children over the 12 months. At end-line, the design was to omit children and have them at the follow-up stage as it has been implemented. Of the 600 parent-child dyads, 510 were successfully followed up, giving an 85 percent retention rate.

The initial impressions show a visible and lasting impact, especially in Mella where the PfR programme was delivered. Children there were more confident, expressive, and socially engaged, while nutritional outcomes were better with no cases of malnutrition, compared to three severe cases in Kalait. Caregivers in Mella reported improved spousal communication, shared parenting roles, and reduced reliance on harsh discipline, with fathers becoming more involved in children’s education and care.

Although partner separation was noted in both sub-counties, it was less frequent in Mella and often linked to cases where only one partner attended the sessions. Migration accounted for some loss to follw-up, but the overall follow-up remained strong. Both communities expressed demand for more support: Mella parents requested refresher and continuous sessions, while Kalait communities called for a more detailed engagement.

Experience with the use of MDAT 

Children were assessed using the Malawi Developmental Assessment Tool (MDAT), which tracks motor skills, language, and social interaction. In Mella, children eagerly took on tasks. In Kalait, many struggled to engage. Caregivers confirmed the difference. “My child can now talk to visitors; before, she would just hide,” one mother said.

Children and two adults sit on a red mat outdoors, engaging in activities as part of a parenting program in Tororo.

Nutrition results showed that there was no malnutrition in Mella, but setbacks in Kalait.

Success Stories

Families in Mella described big changes. Fathers now checked schoolbooks, helped with homework, cooked, fetched water, and bathed children. Couples said they communicate better. “Before the sessions, I didn’t know how to talk to my wife. Now we plan together,” one father explained.

Challenges

Separation was reported in both areas. In Mella, it mostly happened where only one partner attended sessions. Migration also disrupted follow-up as families moved for work or reunification.