Little Ripples: An Early Childhood Education Programme for Displaced Children
Little Ripples: The Maryam Najafian Foundation Collaboration
Little Ripples is an early childhood education programme for refugee communities affected by humanitarian crises. Refugee men and women are trained and employed to implement the Little Ripples programme in their community. The curriculum is co-created by refugees and experts in early childhood development, trauma recovery, and mindfulness. Where possible, free school meals are also provided to enhance child nutrition and learning. The programmes are run in “ponds” in the local community, with each pond hosting around 45 children and employing two teachers and one cook.
This year, MNF met with Katie-Jay and Gabriel, the dedicated couple who founded this ambitious project, to discuss ways in which we could help. Unfortunately, there isn't enough resources to give support to all children. Katie-Jay and Gabriel explained to us that the one thing that communities ask for the most, are additional ponds to support more children in need.
In 2020, the Maryam Najafian Foundation partnered with Little Ripples to build and maintain an additional pond in Djabal, Chad. Djabal hosts one of the largest refugee camps which is home to many tens of thousands of people who fled the Darfur genocide in 2003. Construction of the pond will begin in early 2021, and will allow an additional 45 children to attend pre-school with a daily meal. We are so excited about our new relationship with the incredible Little Ripples who give hope to thousands of vulnerable children born into displacement.
Djabal Refugee Camp
In 2003, the Darfur genocide took place killing around 370,000 individuals and displacing more than 3 million. Today, Darfuri refugees live permanently in 12 camps with limited access to critical services. The refugees of the Djabal camp represent just a fraction of the estimated 450,000 Darfur refugees living in eastern Chad.
Building on the need for programs in Chad that address trauma and promote education, health, peacebuilding, and social integration, iACT launched Little Ripples in Chad in 2013. Little Ripples uses education to heal and empower children and adults affected by the trauma of being displaced. As children are born and grow up in refugee camps, education centred around mindfulness and play ensures that they get the best possible start in life.
Help us to continue transforming lives of children in Djabal, and beyond.
Contact us to find out ways you can get involved. You can also send a donation, even the smallest contributions can go a long way.