Early childhood care in Tanzania: experiences of mothers working in the informal sector in high density urban areas

ABSTRACT

Using a qualitative approach, this paper focuses on the childcare experiences of mothers working as market vendors in high density urban areas in Tanzania. Twelve mothers with children aged between zero and four years, and six caregivers were recruited to participate in the study. The study found that, while some mothers take their children with them to the marketplace, others leave their children at home with family members or neighbours for up to 12 h per day. The study also found that those who can afford it send their children to childcare centres. The centres and workplaces, however, were of low quality, insecure and stressful early childhood care environment. In such a situation, children are unlikely to meet their expected developmental milestones. This paper recommends for community-based initiatives designed to improve the quality of the childcare experiences of the children of mothers working in informal sector in high density areas.

KEYWORDS:

• Early childhood
• child care
• high density areas
• mothers working in informal sector

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Richard Shukia

Richard Shukia (PhD) is Lecturer and Consultant in Child Psychology and Early Childhood Development. His research interests revolve around Early Stimulation, Literacy and Numeracy Learning and Early Childhood Inclusive Education. Dr Shukia works with the Department of Educational Psychology and Curriculum Studies of the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Innocent Messo

Innocent Messo is a lecturer at the Open University of Tanzania, teaching psychology and education courses in general, and Abnormal Psychology and Inclusive Education in particular. Mr. Messo has vast research experience in educational issues especially educational transitions, childhood education and social sciences in general. He is well equipped with research techniques; both qualitative and quantitative. He has published on educational effects of stress, sexuality, inclusive education, early childhood education (reading) and open and distance learning issues.