Plantations can be unsafe for children. Mothers cannot bring them to work to breastfeed or ensure they receive well balanced meals. Leaving them back would mean leaving them in the area surrounding the plantation with no one to take care of them; or leaving them at home with older siblings who in turn must forfeit going to school.

Before the UNICEF-supported centre opened, parents working on the planation had to wake up early and prepare meals for her children. Thanks to this new day care centre, she saves time and can be assured of a safe, clean, stimulating place for her daughters while she’s at work.

Rwanda’s economy depends heavily on tea as one of its top cash exports. The tea sector itself employs more women than men – roughly 60% of workers engaged in the sector are young women. This has led to more opportunities for people like Josephine who depend on it for their livelihood.

With support from UNICEF and Rwanda’s National Agricultural Export Development Board, tea plantations like Nyabihu have begun investing in day care centres so children have a place to learn and play while their parents work to earn an income. The results have been positive especially for families with working parents. This has made them more productive which is essential for their financial stability and growth. More money means more is invested for the welfare of the family.

 

Source: UNICEF Connect