“If you take care of that child, tomorrow it will be a profit to you and an entire generation”: A qualitative evaluation of a program to prevent ACEs and promote child development in Northern Sierra Leone

Abstract

Background

The Education for Protection and Well-being (EPW) model is a program that aims to promote child development by preventing ACEs and creating nurturing school and home environments. The purpose of this study was to understand teacher and caregiver experience participating in EPW, including what participants learned, any new skills they applied, and changes observed in children at home and school.

Methods

We conducted 9 focus groups with teachers (N = 16) and caregivers (N = 63) involved in the EPW pilot in two communities in Northern Sierra Leone that have experienced high levels of adversity. We used purposive sampling to explore teacher and caregiver experiences, learnings, and practices, and observed changes in their homes and schools since starting the program. Data were translated, transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis.

Results

The four themes that emerged were improved social cohesion, more conducive learning environments, improved parenting practices, and improved child well-being reported by teachers and caregivers, which aligned with levels of the social-ecological model. At the community level, participants noted increased social cohesion at home and in the community, enhanced parent engagement in education, stronger caregiver-teacher relationships, and a communal approach to raising children. Teachers reported fostering conducive learning environments at the school level through social-emotional learning, effective classroom management, and positive teaching practices. The family-level theme highlighted improved parenting practices and parent emotional regulation. At the child level, caregivers and teachers observed enhanced child well-being, including increased engagement in education, strengthened teacher-child and parent-child relationships, and reduced negative behaviors among children.

Conclusion

Caregivers and teachers reported learning and applying new skills and other benefits of the EPW program for themselves, their students, children, and families and expressed a desire for program continuation in their community and expansion across communities in Sierra Leone.