Making a Difference in Kenya
In Kenya, we are on a mission to educate and empower mothers and caregivers in rural Kitui County who aren’t being reached through traditional methods. Our initiative uses the unique power of music and celebrity influence to both entertain and educate on the importance of Birth to Three and practicing the Six Loving Habits.
Celebrity Influence for Good
Stellar Mengele, celebrity musician and GIFT CONNECT’s Global Ambassador, is truly reaching the hearts and minds of young parents and caregivers through her culturally relevant and educational songs and events that inspire them to practice the “Loving Habits” of speaking, singing, reading, playing, counting and serve and return with their children.
Stellar’s exemplary talent and use of music to positively influence societal norms and create behavior change has been recognized by the Kenyan government, earning her the honor of being one of the top 30 most influential citizens in Kenya in 2024.
Raise Awareness
Stellar Mengele created the Abujubuju Baby Song and My Baby Edutainment Songs to raise awareness on the importance of Early Childhood Development. We amplify the songs in conjunction with Media and PSA campaigns on television, radio and social media.
Educate
Stellar hosts small village events with 50-400 participants and large keynote concerts with up to 2000 participants, in partnership with local ECD experts on nutrition, health and hygiene, women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship and more.
Offer Tools
Through our partnerships with Vroom and Carnegie Hall, we provide Vroom tips on each loving habit (soon translated and localized for Kenya) and access to the Lullaby Program (Carnegie Hall’s first partner in Africa). Soon we will also add our AI powered song and story generators.
Empower Champions
Our ultimate goal is sustainability through empowerment. After the initial four Lullaby Program sessions, groups turn into self-sustaining support networks and table banks. The participating mothers and caregivers shift from students to teachers, sharing knowledge in their communities and teaching with Stellar at the in-person events.
Advocate
Stellar continues to advocate for birth to three development by building key connections with leaders across Kenya and the US, including The Early Childhood Development Network for Kenya, a network of all ECD organizations in Kenya that promotes, supports, and sustains ECD initiatives throughout the country.
Impact
124
Events in Kenya
57,290
participants in kenya
8
Communities Reached
3 M+
Media
Reach
