The Parenting Cluster:
- Caregiver Engagement
- Leadership by BRAC
The Parenting Cluster is a key pillar of the Network for Early Childhood Development Actors Uganda (NECDA), dedicated to promoting positive parenting and nurturing care across Uganda. We believe that families are the first and most important system of care, learning, and protection in a child’s life and that empowered parents and caregivers are at the heart of every thriving child.
The cluster builds a collaborative, multisectoral space where organizations work together to strengthen parenting practices, influence national policy, promote joint learning, and reach more caregivers with life-changing support and information.
Why Parenting Matters
Research shows that the first 1,000 days of life are foundational to a child’s lifelong development. Positive parenting; where children are loved, protected, stimulated, and supported, has a direct impact on their cognitive growth, emotional resilience, and future success.
In Uganda, many children aged 0–8 still lack the consistent, responsive care they need to thrive. Barriers such as poverty, limited services, inadequate knowledge, and harmful social norms hold back parents and communities. That’s where the Parenting Cluster comes in; to create systems that enable every caregiver to raise a child in safety, dignity, and joy.
Empowered Caregivers, Thriving Children
Equip parents, caregivers, and practitioners with tools and training for positive parenting and nurturing care.
Promote shared learning across organizations and communities.
Advocate for increased policy commitment and budgetary investment in parenting support.
Scale effective parenting programs through coordination and partnership.
Influence national policies to place parenting at the center of Uganda’s early childhood agenda.
Improve caregivers’ knowledge, attitudes, and skills to raise safe, happy, and well-rounded children.
Parenting Cluster Terms of Reference
Parenting Cluster
This cluster supports caregivers with tools, knowledge, and community support to provide nurturing care during the most critical years of a child’s life.
Policy and Advocacy
We work with government and civil society to ensure parenting is prioritized in Uganda’s policy and budget processes, from sub-county to national levels.
Collaboration and Networking
We connect local, national, and regional actors to share tools, harmonize messages, and amplify each other’s work. This includes partnerships with academia, NGOs, private sector, and development partners.
Research and Knowledge Sharing
We generate, document, and share evidence on parenting practices, interventions, and outcomes, translating insights into action.
Community-Led Programming
We create demand for parenting programs, promote non-violent parenting approaches, and support caregivers to protect children from harm.
Climate-Conscious Parenting
We promote environmentally sustainable parenting practices and advocate for ECD-friendly policies that protect children in a changing climate.
Join Today!
Are you working to support parents and caregivers in Uganda? Want to learn from others and influence national parenting policies?
Cluster Governance
The Parenting Cluster is governed by a Cluster Leadership Committee (CLC), composed of 5 elected members:
- Chairperson
- Vice Chairperson
- Secretary/Cluster Coordinator
- Two Committee Members
Leadership roles rotate every two years, building shared ownership and inclusive representation. The Chair and one elected member also represent the cluster at the NECDA Steering Committee.
- Collaboration: We work better together
- Equity: Every parent and child matters
- Respect: We listen, learn, and include
- Accountability: We act and deliver
- Registered NGOs, CBOs, FBOs, and professional bodies working in parenting.
- Organizations aligned with NECDA’s mission and values.
- Actors willing to collaborate, contribute, and uphold parenting standards.