Residents of Logar province, Afghanistan were accustomed to a lack of child-care services in their region and the limited capacity of local government to provide proper public services. However, that is changing as more residents, with USAID support, participate in local town hall meetings and insist that their needs and priories are reflected in the Provincial Development Plans, which allocates funds.

USAID partners with local governments in 16 target provinces to improve development planning, representation of citizens, and enhanced delivery of public services. Through this initiative, the Logar province Directorate of Labor, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled (DoLSAMD) opened a childcare facility in response to the expressed needs of local families. The kindergarten was established in the provincial center – Pul-e-Alam. It welcomes 100 children ages 1 – 7 each day, as well as a staff of trained early education experts.

Marina, a local resident and mother, previously had to choose between working outside her home and taking care of her children. Now, like many other mothers, she is benefiting from the newly established childcare center in her community.

“I used to leave my child with relatives, and I was always concerned about her care. Now that the kindergarten is here, I am no longer worried about my daughter,” Marina said.

Another mother said, “I am very happy that my son regularly attends… and benefits from the pre-school activities and curricula.”