Lillian takes Lullaby Africa into Kisumu Women’s Prison

Lillian Achieng, one our lovely Lullaby Africa teachers in Kenya, has been allowed to run baby bonding sessions in the Kisumu Women’s Prison. This is a huge step forward for our Kisumu operation and illustrates how Lullaby Africa and our local leaders are valued in the community.

Lillian prepares her teaching sessions.

She realised that the local prison has many mothers and babies living inside its wall. She has spent five Fridays teaching them baby bonding. 60 women attended, so Lillian set up three groups covering pregnant women, mothers with babies and those with toddlers and older children. Her teaching included lots of baby massage, exciting games and covered the four key aspects of Lullaby Africa: touch, talk, eye-contact and play.

Lillian says, “The turnout was a little more than expected but we were able to sort them out. The prison office wanted to see a sample of our teaching before they let us in. This went very well. Not only did we show them the teaching, but we also talked to them about love.”

It is difficult to negotiate entrance to any prison. They are very aware of both security and safeguarding, so we were not allowed to take any photos inside. Therefore, it is very exciting and a tribute to Lillian’s persistence and persuasion that the prison has accepted her teaching. The political situation in Kenya also make such visits difficult: widespread rioting led to the postponement of several sessions. However, on each occasion, Lillian went back in as soon as she could.

Outside Kisumu Women's Prison

Several of the prison leaders asked whether the women would be receiving certificates after the teaching. Lullaby Africa issues certificates to all mothers and carers who complete a course. This simple act can be life-changing in terms of the women’s self-confidence and empowerment; for many, this will be the first certificate for learning they have ever been given.

Lullaby Africa hopes to visit Kisumu Women’s Prison again to teach more women the value of baby bonding. We’d be delighted if you could support the work of Lillian and the other Kenyan leaders.