GIFT CONNECT in Delaware
On Tuesday, January 21st, Matt Meyer was sworn in as the 76th Governor of Delaware. The ceremony, held at Delaware State University, marked a historic event as the first gubernatorial inauguration at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), with President Dr. Tony Allen presiding. Dr. Allen also serves as the Chairman of the White House Advisory Council of HBCUs.
Many of Delaware’s top elected officials and dignitaries attended the event. Sam Beard and his team have had the privilege of working with the past six Governors, from Pete duPont to John Carney. This collaboration presents a promising opportunity to make Delaware a model Birth to Three community and a policy imperative.
Making an Impact in Kenya
On December 6, GIFT CONNECT Kenya and Global Ambassador Stellar Mengele hosted over 2,000 mothers and caregivers at our year-end event. Our seven Carnegie Hall Lullaby Program groups performed lullabies, educational songs, and poems they composed about the GIFT CONNECT 6 Loving Habits.
When the 4-week lullaby program is complete, the groups transition into a mother-to-mother support group, supported by a $300 investment in the groups’ table banking. We are so proud to report that all of the groups have increased their funds since the formation of the micro-bank to between $500-700 dollars, furthering our vision of sustainability through empowerment.
On January 21st, we hosted another event in Tulia (Kitui County, Kenya) welcoming over 400 mothers and caregivers to learn about early childhood brain science, responsive caregiving practices, and the six loving habits. In this photo, you can see the women raising their hands as they pledge together to practice at home and become champions of their new knowledge in their communities.
