Early Childhood Development

In Kailahun District, many families struggle to meet their basic needs due to poverty and limited livelihood opportunities. Children, like Yaata, 14, face barriers to accessing education, proper nutrition, and healthcare because their families lack reliable income sources. Without support, these challenges can lead to school dropouts, poor health, and a cycle of poverty.
There is a critical need for sustainable, low-cost interventions that can improve household income and child well-being. Livelihood support through small livestock, such as goats, has proven to be an effective solution, providing families with both income and nutritional benefits. However, more families need access to such resources to reduce financial pressure and support their children’s development.
Like many children in her community, Yaata dreams of a better future—one where she can go to school and her family can live well, even when life is hard.
Thanks to help from ChildFund, that dream is becoming real. ChildFund runs many programs in Kailahun to support children and families. These include education, farming and business skills, food security, early childhood care, health and nutrition, emergency help, environmental care, and clean water and sanitation.

One big help for Yaata’s family came in 2024, when ChildFund gave out 160 goats to children and their families. Yaata’s family received some of these goats. Although small, goats are very useful. They are easy and cheap to raise. Families don’t need a lot of land or money to care for them.
But goats bring big benefits. When grown, a goat can be sold for between 80 and 100 dollars. That money can help families buy school items, pay hospital bills, or buy food.

“Before we had the goats, it was hard for my parents to pay for my school fees and buy my books. Now, we don’t have to worry as much. I can go to school and focus on learning,’’ says Yaata. “These goats are a blessing to our family. When we have problems, my parents can sell a goat to get money for things like school supplies, medicine, or food.” Goats also give meat and milk, which are important for children’s health and growth.
For Yaata and many other children, these animals are more than just goats, they help their families earn money, stay healthy, and build a better future.
ChildFund’s work in Kailahun is helping children and families today, while also giving them hope and strength for tomorrow. Yaata now sees a brighter future ahead of her. “Now I know that with hard work, I can finish school and become someone who helps others. I want to become a nurse one day.”
Yaata also sees her goats as a long-term support: “These goats are like a small bank for us. We take care of them, and they help us when we need money the most.”
Yaata is now in junior secondary school 1, after passing her National Primary School Examination (NPSE), in 2024.