We partner with families and communities to strengthen childcare, helping children reach their developmental potential while enabling women to participate in the economy.
Why Now?
In Tanzania’s low-income communities, millions of young children enter school already behind because families lack access to affordable, quality childcare and face poverty, malnutrition, limited early stimulation, and insufficient responsive caregiving during the most critical years of brain development. Many then experience poor-quality early learning that fails to provide the strong foundation needed for lifelong learning and well-being.
These early disadvantages affect educational achievement, future income potential, and perpetuate intergenerational poverty. TECEC works to change this trajectory early, strengthening childcare and family support so children can thrive while women have greater opportunities to participate in economic activities.
What We Do
The Echoes of the First Years is TECEC’s integrated childcare model designed to improve children’s developmental outcomes while enabling women’s economic participation. Affordable, community-based childcare centres combine responsive caregiving, play-based learning, nutrition, health monitoring and referrals, alongside parenting support and early stimulation through health facilities for families with children aged 0–8.
Our Impact
Reach and Developmental Impact
Supporting children, families, caregivers, and early learning systems through The Echoes of the First Years Model.
Trained ECD & Preschool Teachers
Parents, Caregivers & Health Workers Reached
Pregnancy Mothers & Children Supported with Fortified Flour
Community ECD, Play based Classes & Stimulation Corners
20,100+ Children Reached Across Tanzania
Over the past three years, TECEC has supported children across Mwanza, Mara, and Rukwa through The Echoes of the First Years model. This represents thousands of children gaining stronger opportunities to develop, learn, communicate, and thrive during the most critical years of life.
Impact on Children’s Development (Ages 2–5)
Children participating in The Echoes of the First Years -supported programs demonstrated significant gains in foundational literacy, numeracy, social-emotional development, school readiness and educational achievement.
68%
Improved Literacy & Numeracy Skills
68% can identify letters, read simple words & recognize numbers (up from 35%).
82%
Improved Physical Development
82% show fine motor skills & are healthy for play (up from 54%).
71%
Improved Social-Emotional Development
71% interact well with peers & stay focused (up from 42%)
76%
Improved Independent Learning Skills
76% follow instructions & complete tasks (up from 39%).
Testimonials
Partners & Donor Recognition
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all individuals, organizations, and foundations who are walking with us.
