The Aga Khan University Institute for Human Development (AKU-IHD) has launched a call for applications for its 2025/2026 Early Childhood Development (ECD) Training Series, targeting professionals from civil society organizations (CSOs) in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties of Samburu, Isiolo, Lamu, and Garissa.
Fully funded by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, this transformative training program, part of the “Evidence-Based Policy, Planning, and Development: Supporting Children’s Holistic Development in Marginalized Communities” project, aims to equip ECD practitioners with cutting-edge skills to deliver inclusive, high-quality programs for young children. Applications are open until August 31, 2025.
The ECD Training Series comprises three comprehensive, face-to-face courses designed to enhance the capacity of the ECD workforce:
Science of Early Child Development (SECD) (October 13–18, 2025): Developed in partnership with Red River College Polytechnic, the University of Toronto, and the Aga Khan Development Network, this course explores the science behind early brain development and its impact on lifelong health and well-being.
It covers five modules: Brain Development, Coping and Competence, Ecology of Childhood, Communicating and Learning, and Developmental Health, using media-rich resources and global case studies to inspire innovative ECD programs.
Disability-Inclusive ECD (November 17–21, 2025): This course equips frontline workers with the knowledge and tools to create inclusive environments for children with disabilities, ensuring access to quality education and care.
Participants will learn advocacy strategies and practical approaches to foster growth, development, and societal participation for all children.
Gender Transformative Strategies for ECD (January 27–29, 2026): Focused on gender-responsive practices, this course provides participants with a deep understanding of how gender influences early childhood development, enabling them to design and deliver programs that promote equity and inclusivity.
Apply now to join this transformative journey. For more information, check: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/aku-institute-for-human-development_do-you-directly-manage-assist-or-implement-activity-7366782350992506880-tTJw?utm_medium=ios_app&rcm=ACoAACZUq58BFbojBxA0YyMnwFmJtUl8rzW83FQ&utm_source=social_share_send&utm_campaign=copy_link
https://ecdworkforcehub.org/2025/08/27/early-childhood-development-training-series-2/
Aga Khan University Institute of Human Development explained that the training series is tailored for professionals involved in holistic child development across sectors such as early childhood education, health and nutrition, water and sanitation, child protection, justice systems, economic planning, and social development.
In their official communications platforms, the institution of higher learning stated that eligible applicants must be actively engaged in programs for children aged 0–8, capable of applying their learning to enhance or initiate ECD initiatives, and willing to share knowledge with colleagues. Proficiency in English and full availability for all course dates are also required.
The program aligns with broader efforts to strengthen child-focused initiatives in frontier counties, such as the Lamu Child Protection Policy led by the Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC).
By targeting CSOs in Samburu, Isiolo, Lamu, and Garissa, AKU-IHD is addressing critical gaps in ECD services in regions where resource constraints and geographic challenges often limit access to quality programs.
The training is fully sponsored, covering all costs for participants, thanks to the generous support of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.
Interested applicants should submit their applications and CVs via the provided link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/89BPG36 by August 31, 2025.
Applications sent via email will not be considered, and inquiries can be directed to beatrice.karimi@aku.edu.
With courses set to run from October 2025 to January 2026 at AKU’s Nairobi campus, this training series promises to build a skilled ECD workforce capable of transforming the lives of young children in Kenya’s ASAL regions.
CSO staff should take this chance to enhance their expertise and contribute to a brighter, more inclusive future for the next generation.