The Good News: June Edition

Play, Poetry and Parenting: How Mums in Afghanistan Are Building Brighter Futures

In Afghanistan, being a mum comes with immense responsibility and, often, very little support. A 2023 UNICEF assessment found that many caregivers lacked access to early learning tools, emotional support, and guidance on how to nurture children’s development in safe and loving ways. 

That’s where UNICEF’s new Positive and Playful Parenting project comes in. 

With support from the World Bank, this pilot programme is helping 1,200 mums across five provinces (Kabul, Parwan, Balkh, Nangarhar and Laghman) to gain confidence in their parenting, strengthen their emotional bonds with their children, and learn through joy and connection. 

In weekly sessions, mums gather to sing, share stories, and learn how to support their children’s emotional wellbeing. They’re also taught how to make simple toys and storybooks out of everyday materials; think beanbags from old fabric or dolls made with thread and scraps. 

Hamidah, a mother in the programme, says the change in her and her kids has been remarkable. “My bond with my kids have changed a lot, I have learnt many things here from this parenting program. The things they teach us here are informative and also like entertainment. My children also learnt a lot, sometimes Nargis tells me not to get angry, she tells me don’t you remember what the trainer said?”

The programme also encourages gentle, non-violent communication. “One of the most important things I learnt,” Fatema says, “is that we should not raise our children through fear. That really stuck with me.” 

The sessions double as a safe space for women to connect, reflect, and support each other. Psychotherapists like Amena are on hand to guide discussions and build understanding around child rights, resilience and responsive parenting. Because when caregivers feel empowered, kids are way more likely to thrive. 

Thanks to initiatives like this, backed by UNICEF and partners, families in Afghanistan are discovering that play, poetry and parenting can go hand in hand. 

From Struggle to Strength: How One Syrian Dad Found New Ways to Parent with Love 

In the heart of rural Damascus, Syria, Nazir - known lovingly in his neighbourhood as Abu Maher - is raising six children through the challenges of post-conflict life, grief, and economic hardship. A devoted father and hardworking plumber, Nazir’s days are long and exhausting, but nothing compares to the joy he feels when his kids run to the window to greet him at the end of the day. 

Like many parents doing it tough, Nazir used to believe that discipline meant control. “No jumping, no loud voices, no TV when I was around,” he admitted. “I thought fear meant respect. Now I know I was wrong.” 

Everything changed when he joined Sanadi, a UNICEF-supported parenting programme designed to support parents’ mental health and child protection. Through sessions run by a mobile child protection team, Nazir learned the power of emotional connection, positive discipline, and managing stress in healthier ways. 

Now, his home is full of laughter, cuddles, and connection. “After work, I bring my kids little sweets. We laugh. We play. I’m part of their gang now,” he beams. 

Best of all? He’s paying it forward—volunteering to help other fathers in his community join the same parenting sessions. His wife is going too, inspired by the positive changes at home. 

UNICEF’s Sanadi programme is part of a broader effort to support caregivers with the tools they need to build nurturing, protective homes—especially in communities affected by crisis. The multi-sectoral partnership, led by UNICEF has been running since January 2024 and has supported more than 52,000 caregivers across Syria with parenting skills and psychosocial support. 

Savings, School Fees and Community Support: How Justine Is Building a Better Future in Madagascar 

In the sun-drenched village of Anjamahavelo, Madagascar, mother of four, Justine is laying the foundation for her and her children’s livelihoods. She’s doing this whilst also playing her part as a parent leader in her community. 

Justine is part of Zara Mira, a UNICEF-supported programme that provides cash transfers to pregnant women and families with children up to the age of 15. With this support, families can afford school fees, health care and nutritious food as well as other essentials that help children thrive. 

But Zara Mira isn’t just about cash. The programme also includes various activities to support young parents. Several issues are raised through home visits, regular listening and exchange groups, among parents who are beneficiaries of the programme. The topics include; maternal and child health, nutrition, hygiene and sanitation, education, early childhood development, gender equality and child protection.

As a parent leader and member of her community’s Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA), Justine is actively building long-term financial stability. Every week, she contributes 2,500 Ariary to the savings fund - an investment not just in her family, but in her future. 

“My kids go to private schools in town because the quality of education is better,” Justine explains. “During the holidays, they come home, and with the money we save, I buy chickens and goats for them. I’m preparing them for the future in every way I can.” 

Zara Mira is part of a larger initiative co-led by UNICEF, WFP, and the German Development Bank (KfW) that’s working across Madagascar to improve access to nutritious food, essential services, and sustainable livelihoods for nearly 89,000 people. 

This is what empowerment looks like, one family at a time.