Setiap Kenit

It is estimated that 250 million children (43%) younger than 5 years in low and middle-income countries are at risk of not reaching their developmental potential. There is an urgent need to improve early childhood development services and family supports to help children achieving their full potential. The first five years of a child’s life are a critical window of opportunity for a child’s development. It creates a foundation for future academic achievement, economic productivity, lifelong health, and strong communities. There is a lack of early identification of developmental difficulties and limited comprehensive intervention services.

Klinik Kenit plays an important role in meeting many needs of children and families through the integration of service provision. It acts as a service hub for delivering core health and early interventions services (parenting programs, developmental play stimulation, occupational therapy, speech therapy) and as a social hub providing a local place where families can meet with other parents and children (playgroups and toy library services). Children’s early development requires nurturing care which includes health, nutrition, security and safety, responsive caregiving and early learning. We also provide outreach services to ensure underprivileged communities are given attention.

Pandemic has made these existing problems worsen. Pandemic has been recognized as adverse childhood experiences. Children are having regression in their development and parents need support with providing responsive caregiving during this challenging period. We had launched SETIAP KENIT program where we subsidized the developmental assessment, early intervention and parenting support to children and families in need otherwise cannot afford it. We need more support to be able to reach more families.