Introduction
Balancing parenthood, childcare, and academic responsibilities is a significant challenge for student mothers, often forcing them to make difficult choices between education and caregiving. This case study highlights how Hitler Kids Zone Daycare Centre, an Early Childhood Development (ECD) facility, played a crucial role in preventing a mother from dropping out of her studies at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA).
Background
Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in Morogoro, Tanzania, is home to many students pursuing higher education. Among them was Amina Joseph (Name reserved for privacy), a determined young woman enrolled to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry. However, after giving birth to her adorable beautiful daughter, she faced immense pressure managing her academic coursework and childcare. Amina was on the verge of abandoning her studies without reliable childcare support.
The Challenge
Amina’s primary challenge was the lack of a safe and nurturing environment for her child while she attended lectures and other academic sessions at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA). She had no immediate family nearby, and hiring a full-time babysitter was financially unfeasible. As her academic workload increased, so did the stress of balancing assignments, exams, and caregiving, making her consider dropping out.
The Intervention: Hitler Kids Zone Daycare Centre
Upon learning about Hitler Kids Zone Daycare Centre, Amina saw a glimmer of hope. Located conveniently near the university at Mafiga Street, the daycare offered a well-structured ECD program tailored to the needs of young children. The center provided:
. Safe and stimulating learning environment: Age-appropriate activities that support Early Childhood Development (ECD).
. Qualified caregivers: Trained staff who ensure the child’s well-being and engagement.
. Flexible hours: Allowing student mothers to attend classes and study without worry.
. Affordable fees: Making it accessible to students with limited financial means. The center has a very flexible payment plan where a parent is charged 20,000 TZS for 1 child per month as a fee while every child is charged 20,000 TZS for feeding which can be paid daily at the rate of 1000 TZS or weekly at the rate of 5000 TZS.
. Safe, modern, and stimulative learning and playing facilities both indoor and outdoor.
The Impact
Enrolling her 3-month-old’ child at Hitler Kids Zone transformed Amina’s life. With her adorable daughter aged 3 months in a secure and caring environment, she was able to focus on her studies, attend lectures regularly, and complete assignments on time. The availability of responsible caregivers contributes to her child’s healthier growth, cognitive and social development.
As a result, Amina completed 1st year of her studies and now she is in year two, becoming a role model for other young mothers who might be facing similar childcare challenges. Her story underscores the importance of accessible childcare services in enabling young women to pursue higher education and engage in other productive activities for livelihood improvement.
Hitler Kids Zone Daycare Centre stands as a beacon of support for student mothers like Amina. By providing affordable, quality childcare, the center not only supports children’s early development but also empowers young women to achieve their academic and career aspirations. This case study highlights the critical role of ECD services in promoting gender equality and educational continuity for student mothers in Tanzania.
Illustration photos of Hitler Kids Zone Daycare Centre
The photo above shows the buffer for children at Hitler Zone Day Care Center.
The photo above shows the stimulative bedroom for children to rest after sessions.
The photo above shows the outdoor games at the Hitler Kids zone
The outdoor games and playing ground for young children