From maid to mother: Transforming facilities, staff training, and caregiver dignity in an institutional facility for young children in Nepal

Type Journal Article - Infant mental health journal
Title From maid to mother: Transforming facilities, staff training, and caregiver dignity in an institutional facility for young children in Nepal
Author(s)
Volume 35
Issue 2
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2014
Page numbers 132-143
URL http://ro.uow.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1944&context=sspapers
Abstract
This article provides a case study of a project to improve the health, safety, and development of children birth
to 6 years old in a large orphanage in Nepal. Two interventions were conducted: improvement of physical
infrastructure and training, mentoring, and support for caregiving staff. As a result of these interventions,
positive outcomes in terms of children's health and development have been observed, including reduction of
communicable diseases and increased social interactions with caregivers. As part of the new training initiative,
the caregivers began to meet regularly to share their ideas and experiences, and came to realize their vital role
in the holistic development of the children in their care. One important change was a greater sense of dignity
for the caregivers. The caregivers were formerly called Maids(Aaya), but asked to be called Mothers(Aama).
The project also faced challenges, including communication barriers related to organizational structure.

Related studies

»