The sound of children’s laughter fills the community center where Khadija Begum organizes daily childcare activities. At 58, she has become the beloved “community mother” through ESDR’s elder engagement program, caring for children while their parents work or attend training programs.
Khadija’s natural nurturing abilities were enhanced through training in child development, early childhood education, and cultural preservation. She learned age-appropriate activities, safety protocols, and how to create structured learning environments for young children.
“Children are our future, but they’re also our present joy,” Khadija says while helping a toddler with a puzzle. “When I care for these little ones, I’m not just watching them—I’m planting seeds of love, culture, and confidence that will grow with them forever.”
Her childcare program includes traditional storytelling, cultural songs, basic literacy activities, and play-based learning. She teaches children about their heritage while preparing them for formal education. Parents trust her completely, knowing their children are safe, loved, and learning.
Khadija also coordinates with other community elders to document traditional stories, songs, and customs. “Our culture lives in our children,” she explains. “If we don’t pass it on, it dies with us. But if we share it with love and joy, it grows stronger with each generation.” Her work ensures that cultural knowledge continues while supporting families in their daily lives.
