Childcare centres boost market trade

NJOMBE: THE establishment of childcare centres in marketplaces is proving to be a national game-changer for mothers in the informal sector, providing a blueprint for how urban trade can be both inclusive and safe.

The initiative, which has gained significant traction following a 2022 directive by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, is successfully moving children from the hazardous environment of market stalls into structured, nurturing spaces.

A recent survey by the Sunday News in markets where these centres operate, including the Njombe Main Market, revealed a profound sense of relief among parents. The facility has eliminated the struggle of finding trustworthy maids or the highrisk practice of bringing infants to busy, congested trading floors.

For many women, the centre is the difference between business growth and daily struggle. An entrepreneur at the Njombe market with a 10-month-old baby, Ms Teresia Bughe, said the facility allows her to work without the constant double burden of childcare.

“This centre has been a great help. I no longer have to worry constantly about my child, so I can focus fully on serving my customers. It’s also convenient because my child interacts with other children and learns new skills through play,” Ms Bughe said.

She said that before the centre opened, she was forced to conduct business outside the main market structures, finding it nearly impossible to manage her infant while serving clients. She urged for the model to be replicated across all national markets.

The safety implications are even starker. Another trader, Ms Jema Mwasanyamba, shared a critical health perspective that highlights the risks faced by market children nationwide.

“At first, it was very challenging… Sometimes, it affected my child’s health, especially when I was busy handling bags of beans that contain pesticides, which could be harmful,” she said.

Ms Mwasanyamba now utilises the centre from 9 am to 5 pm, “I have seen remarkable improvements since the centre was established. My child, now one year and seven months old, is thriving and benefiting from the structured care provided,” she added.

The impact is also being felt by market authorities. Njombe Market Trade Officer, Mr Almachius Kalokora, said that the professional environment of the market has improved significantly.

“The reception from mothers has been very positive. Before the daycare services were provided, children would cry or play under the tables, which made it hard for their mothers to focus on their customers,” Mr Kalokora said.

He further said that children now play, learn and are fed in a dedicated space while mothers work uninterrupted.

The facility stands as a direct fulfilment of a promise made on August 10, 2022. During the inauguration of the Njombe Main Market, President Samia Suluhu Hassan directed regional leadership to prioritise the welfare of trading mothers.

“I see the need for a dedicated space that will serve as a childcare centre, giving parents the opportunity to continue with their business,” President Samia said at the time. However, she also challenged the beneficiaries to contribute toward the sustainability of the services.

Community Development Officer for Njombe Regional Council, Ms Elice Simonile, confirmed that the centre is a collaborative effort between the municipal council and regional authorities.

“We have employed two teachers and two support staff who help take care of the children. The facility registers children from the market as well as those from shops near this market,” Ms Simonile said.

The centre, which has a capacity for 80 children, currently serves 65. It requires all mothers at the market with children aged six months to three years to enrol them. The daily fee of 2,000/- covers morning and afternoon meals, educational activities and professional care, supported by the municipal council to ensure smooth operations.