• Although considerable funding is focused on healthcare for HIV/AIDS, very little funding is available to support the early childhood development (ECD) that is essential to prepare children for success in school and life
  • ECD is best nurtured through parents and caregivers because of their frequent and sustained contact with children, yet most parents and caregivers need support and education to meet ECD needs
  • Existing health systems, community child care centers, and home visitations are effective channels to provide parents and caregivers with the instruction they need
  • Community based organizations (CBOs) have extensive geographical coverage, deep local knowledge, and resource efficient volunteer staff that are well-positioned to work through these channels – yet most CBOs have very limited capacity, and their ability to promote ECD activities will depend on increasing their effectiveness
  • The goal of preparing young children in high prevalence areas physically, emotionally, and cognitively for success in school and life can be achieved through three mutually reinforcing activities:
    – Working through a network of national and international NGOs to enable CBOs to deliver ECD programs and additional support to parents and caregivers additional support to parents and caregivers
    – Creating more robust CBO capacity and improving linkages between organizations and service delivery programs, thus increasing the self-reliance of communities
    – Developing and disseminating knowledge to increase the funding and effectiveness of ECD interventions by governments, other funders, and stakeholders CNHF Children Affected by HIV/AIDS and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
  • The target geography for the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation’s (the Foundation’s) investment has been narrowed to five countries (Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia) based on their HIV/AIDS prevalence and additional factors crucial for success