hermann kouakou

Coordinateur pays de ICS SP

[ICS SP @ICS_SP]

As we culminate the International Day for Missing Children, ICS-SP is honored to have our Executive Director, @BeatriceOgutu , featured on Ramogi TV to spotlight the urgent need to protect children and strengthen community action in preventing children from going missing.

Tune in for an insightful conversation on child protection, awareness, and our collective responsibility in ensuring every child is safe, seen, and supported. 💙🧩

🔗 https://t.co/dgizzVAEKE
#InternationalMissingChildrensDay #ChildProtection #NoChildStandsAlone #SafeguardingChildren #ICS_SP

[ICS SP @ICS_SP]

ICS-SP is glad to join partners including the @Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services, the The Catholic University of Eastern Africa Africa (CUEA), Mtoto News, Stahili, and many others in commemorating International Missing Children’s Day 2026. 🧡

“When does a missing child case actually begin?”
Not when a police report is filed.
Not when a child runs away.

It begins the very first time a child signals distress and nobody responds.
This was the powerful message from our Executive Director, Beatrice Nyakwaka Ogutu, during her keynote address at the International Missing Children’s Day Commemoration & Social Work Conference.

Because children do not simply disappear. They disappear where systems fail, where communities fall silent, and where warning signs are ignored.

Our ED reminded us that every child matters equally including the children too often overlooked: street-connected children, refugee children, children with disabilities, children from poor rural communities, and teenagers labelled as “runaways.”Today, danger no longer waits at the door. It enters through smartphones, social media platforms, gaming spaces, and online “friendships.” Predators do not create vulnerability they exploit it.

As communities weaken, children become more vulnerable. Once, neighbours noticed, teachers intervened, and communities protected their children. We must rebuild that collective responsibility. At Investing in Children and their Societies (ICS SP), we refuse to look away. Because one missing child is one too many. 🧡
#IMCD2026 #NeverForgotten #ProtectEveryChild #BringOurChildrenHome #BecauseOneIsOneTooMany

[ICS SP @ICS_SP]

“When I became a mother at 17 years old, I thought my dreams had come to an end. But through the Kuimarisha Project, I have hope yet again."– Adolescent Mother, Kakamega County
This Mother’s Day, we honour the resilience of adolescent mothers across Kakamega County who are rewriting their stories against all odds.
In Kenya, thousands of adolescent girls become mothers every year, often facing stigma, school dropout, and limited access to essential support systems. In Kakamega County alone, adolescent pregnancy continues to affect thousands of girls annually, reshaping futures too early.
Through the Kuimarisha Project by Investing in Children and their Societies (ICS SP), adolescent mothers are being supported to rebuild their lives and strengthen their families.

We focus on three key areas of transformation:

✨ Mental health and psychosocial support

✨ Economic and life skills empowerment

✨ Early childhood development support for young children

We do this by working closely with families, community structures, and government systems to provide safe spaces, structured parenting support, and linkages to health, education, and protection services. This integrated approach ensures adolescent mothers are not left behind but are actively reintegrated into pathways of dignity and opportunity.

In 2025 alone, the project reached over 2,300 adolescent mothers in Malava and Shinyalu sub-counties, strengthening caregiving capacity and improving child wellbeing outcomes at the household level. Our work is supported by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.
💛 Watch our video to hear real stories of transformation, resilience, and renewed hope.
This Mother’s Day, partner with ICS SP to continue empowering adolescent mothers, strengthening families, and building resilient communities where every child has a chance to thrive.

Happy Mothers Day! 👩‍🍼

#MothersDay #KuimarishaProject #AdolescentMothers #EmpowerMothers #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment #MentalHealthSupport #GirlsEmpowerment #PositiveParenting #FamilyStrengthening #ICS_SP #Kakamega

[ICS SP @ICS_SP]

⏱️2 days to go! Happy #mothersday 👩‍🍼
Think about your mother figure, her sacrifices, her loud and silent cheers. The long days and even longer nights she endured to ensure you had a chance at a better future.
Across Africa, millions of mothers wake up every day carrying the weight of their families’ survival, nurturing children, providing care, putting food on the table, and holding communities together, often with limited support and overwhelming challenges.
Women make up a significant share of caregivers and informal workers across the continent, yet many mothers still face barriers to education, economic opportunities, mental wellness support, quality childcare, and safe environments for their children. When mothers struggle, children and communities feel the impact too.
But when we empower mothers, we strengthen entire generations.
At Investing in Children and their Societies (ICS SP), in #Kenya #Tanzania and #Cotedivoire, we champion mothers and caregivers through:

✨ Positive parenting programmes that strengthen nurturing care
✨ Support for adolescent mothers and young families
✨ Safe spaces and psychosocial support for caregivers and children
✨ Community-led child protection and family strengthening initiatives
✨ Advocacy for safe, nurturing, and violence-free environments for children
✨ Capacity building for parents, caregivers, and community champions
Because a mother is the root, the foundation that holds the home together. When mothers are supported, children thrive. When children thrive, communities prosper.
This Mother’s Day, we invite partners, donors, and friends to stand with us in investing in mothers, strengthening families, and securing brighter futures for children across Africa.
🤝 Our work here has just began. Partner with us to continue creating safe and nurturing environments where every child and every mother can thrive.
#MothersDay #InvestInMothers #FamilyWellbeing #PositiveParenting #ChildProtection #WomenEmpowerment #ParentingSupport #NurturingCare #CommunityImpact #ICS_SP #InvestInChildren #SafeFamilies #StrongerCommunities

[ICS SP @ICS_SP]

🔔 OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT | Implementation Research Consultancy
Investing in Children and their Societies (ICS SP) is seeking experienced research consultants/firms to lead implementation research under the Violence Against Children in and around Schools (VACiS) Project in Kenya and Tanzania (April 2026 – June 2027).

This is a unique opportunity to generate credible, publishable evidence on violence prevention programming across three discrete research assignments:
📌 Assignment 1 – Gender-Transformative Parenting: Co-occurrence of VAC & IPV
📌 Assignment 2 – Whole School Approach: VAC Reduction & Learning Outcomes
📌 Assignment 3 – Social Norms Programming: IPV Reduction (Kenya) & Early Marriage (Tanzania)

Applicants may apply for one or more assignments.

✅ WHO SHOULD APPLY?
We are looking for firms or consultants with:

• Master's or doctoral qualification in Social Sciences, Gender Studies, Epidemiology, or related fields
• At least 7 years' experience in programme evaluation, implementation research, or applied social research with a focus on VAC, child protection, or GBV
• Proven track record of child-sensitive and gender-sensitive research in East Africa
• Proficiency in Kiswahili is highly desirable for Tanzania-based assignments

📂 TO APPLY:
Submit your Cover Letter, Technical Proposal, Work Plan, Financial Proposal, CVs of key personnel, References, and a Sample Evaluation Report via the link below.

🔗 Upload your application here: [ https://t.co/8fmYdPqloE
⏰ Deadline: 8th May 2026

Help us build the evidence base that protects children and transforms communities.
#VACiS #Consultancy #Research #ChildProtection #GBV #EastAfrica #Kenya #Tanzania #ICS #JobOpportunity #OpenTender

[hermann kouakou @mangouakouassi]

@ICS_SP @UNICEF @WHO @AKUGlobal @Amref_Kenya @aphrc 👍👍👍

[ICS SP @ICS_SP]

Reflecting on an engagement with our partners including Conrad N Hilton Foundation @UNICEF , @WHO , @AKUGlobal, @Amref_Kenya, @aphrc ,one thing stood out clearly the growing recognition of the power of Early Childhood Development (#ECD) in shaping long-term outcomes for children and families.

Our work through the #Kuimarisha project continues to demonstrate that investing in #caregivers especially #adolescent #parents creates a ripple effect that strengthens #child #wellbeing, #family #stability, and #community #resilience.

As conversations move toward Phase II and potential expansion, we are encouraged by the strong affirmation of this approach. The focus now is on deepening impact refining our model, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring cost-effective, scalable solutions grounded in evidence.
This is a reminder that #ECD is not just a programme area it is a foundation for equity, opportunity, and lifelong development.
Team Kuimarisha Aluta Continua 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
#EarlyChildhoodDevelopment #ECD #NurturingCare #ChildWellbeing #ParentingSupport #AdolescentParents #CaregiverSupport #FamilyStrengthening #CommunityImpact #EvidenceBased #ScalingImpact #PartnershipsForImpact #GlobalHealth #AfricaDevelopment #Kenya #Tanzania @

[ICS SP @ICS_SP]

Gender Norms Don’t Shift on Their Own
This week, Investing in Children and their Societies (ICS SP) invites you to reflect: How are you challenging outdated gender expectations in your circles? Our work continues from supporting male caregivers to engaging faith and cultural leaders because equitable caregiving benefits every child.

#MenCare #GenderEquality #SystemsChange #ICS_SP

[ICS SP @ICS_SP]

ICS Côte d’Ivoire hosted the end-of-activity presentation for the Projet Intégré de Protection (PIPIREF-SC) in Divo, bringing together key stakeholders to share results and outcomes of the project.
The PIPIREF-SC project, implemented by ICS Côte d’Ivoire and financed by Nestlé, ICI, and Sucden, focuses on the fight against child labour within Nestlé’s supply chains—particularly through the Socopasg Cooperative, in four communities within the Divo Department.
The event was honored by the presence of the Sub-Prefect of Nébo, the General Secretary of Loh-Djiboua, and representatives from child protection authorities, including MFFE, MPS, DRENA, and the Education Department. Community leaders, coaches, and Parent Change Agents also actively participated, sharing experiences and testimonies on the project’s impact.
This milestone presentation marked a key moment of reflection, celebration, and commitment to continuing collaborative efforts to protect children and empower communities across the region.

#PIPIREFSC #ChildProtection #EndChildLabour #ICS_CotedIvoire #Nestlé #ICI #Sucden #Socopasg #CommunityEmpowerment #ParentalEngagement #SupplyChainResponsibility #CôteDIvoire #Divo #Nebo #LohDjiboua #ProtectEveryChild

[ICS SP @ICS_SP]

We are excited to be kicking off Day 1 of the 6th National Early Childhood Development (ECD) Stakeholders Conference, where ICS-SP is actively participating in discussions shaping the future of ECD in Kenya.
This important national gathering, currently happening in Garissa County, is organized by Early Childhood Development Network For Kenya (ECDNeK) in partnership with the Ministries of Education, Health, Labour & Social Protection, the Council of Governors, and the County Government of Garissa. The conference is bringing together key stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, development partners, and the private sector.
💡 Today’s discussions are focusing on:
✅ Responsive caregiving and early stimulation
✅ Indigenous child-rearing practices
✅ Inclusive and climate-resilient ECD models
✅ Strengthening governance, finance, and accountability in ECD
Meet the ICS-SP Team Representing at #ECDKenya2025
We are proud to be represented by a passionate and experienced team of ECD champions who are sharing insights from our community-led programs, learning from others, and forging partnerships to strengthen early childhood systems. Stay tuned as we feature their reflections and contributions throughout the conference!
ICS-SP remains committed to promoting nurturing care, empowering caregivers, and ensuring every child receives the support they need to thrive. We are looking forward to more enriching engagements in the coming days.

#Day1 #ICS_SP #ECDKenya2025 #NurturingCare #EarlyYearsMatter #ResponsiveCaregiving #InvestInChildren #Garissa2025 #TransformECD

[ICS SP @ICS_SP]

🎨 How often should play be integrated into a child’s daily routine?

Play is more than just fun it's how children learn, build relationships, and develop essential life skills. But with structured schedules and academic demands, how much time should really be set aside for play?

👇What is the ideal daily play duration for children?

💬 What kind of play activities do you find most impactful?
Is it pretend play, outdoor games, creative arts, or parent-child bonding activities? Share your thoughts in the comments!
#LetChildrenPlay #PlayMatters #ChildDevelopment #LearningThroughPlay #Parenting #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment #DayOfPlay

[ICS SP @ICS_SP]

🌍 Day of the African Child 2025

Theme: “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights”

Today, we honor the courage of the students who marched in Soweto in 1976, demanding their right to quality education. Their bravery ignited a movement and decades later, we still echo their call: every African child deserves to be heard, protected, and empowered.
Across the continent, millions of children still face barriers poverty, conflict, exploitation, and limited access to education and health care. Yet, we also see stories of resilience, innovation, and hope: young changemakers, community-led solutions, and growing recognition that investing in children is investing in Africa’s future.

This year's theme is a call to #governments, #policymakers, civil society, and all of us:

Integrate children’s voices into planning processes
Allocate sufficient, transparent, and equitable resources
Track and evaluate impact not just inputs
When we budget for children, we are budgeting for equity, justice, and generational change.

Let’s invest where it matters most. Because every child counts and every coin should count for them.
#DayOfTheAfricanChild2025 #ChildRights #InvestInChildren #BudgetForChildren #LeaveNoChildBehind #AfricaRising #ChildCenteredPlanning

[ICS SP @ICS_SP]

We’re live on @LubaoFM Worldwide! 🎙️
https://t.co/78sjKi0VEK

Join us for thought-provoking conversations on building equitable and inclusive policies that drive sustainable development within families.

@DCS_Kenya @The_DSD @LabourSPKE @Prevent_Collab @UNICEFKenya

[UNICEF Kenya @UNICEFKenya]

This week, teams from @DCS_Kenya, @NDMA_Kenya, @SwedeninKE, @UNICEFKenya & @WFP_Kenya are in Kilifi County.

They met Deputy Governor H.E. Flora Mbetsa at the start of the visit, where they will assess social & child protection programmes supported by @SwedeninKE in the county.

[Social Protection and Senior Citizen affairs @SP_Kenya]

A day to honor the bonds that shape our lives — Happy International Day of Families!
#IDOF2025
#InternationalDayofFamilies

[ICS SP @ICS_SP]

Happy #IDoF2025!
Today we celebrate families as the heart of every society. 💛
Strong, supported families raise empowered children and build peaceful, resilient communities.
Let’s continue investing in policies & partnerships that protect & uplift every family.
#InvestInFamilies

[ICS SP @ICS_SP]

📢 1 Day to Go!
Tomorrow we mark #IDoF2025 a moment to celebrate the heartbeat of every society: families.
🔑 5 Key Messages:
1️⃣ Families shape futures
2️⃣ Engaged caregivers = thriving children
3️⃣ Support reduces vulnerability
4️⃣ Strong families = strong societies

[SanctityAfrica.org @SanctityAfrica]

Day 2 at the Pan African conference on Families.

CitizenGO is on the ground

[Ministry of Labour and Social Protection @LabourSPKE]

United in love, rooted in respect — families are our greatest strength

#IDOF2025

[ICS SP @ICS_SP]

Investing in family values and implementing sustainable policies is investing in long-term national development.

In collaboration with @LabourSPKE, @The_DSD, and @DCS_Kenya, we are building resilient families and safeguarding the rights of women and children.
#IDoF2025