Mama, Baba Pamoja

Your Project

Mama, Baba Pamoja

The idea is to create a space for parents to share ideas alongside consultations with early childhood nurses at the community center.

Generally, in several community centers, once a week, parents can consult early childhood nurses (for children ages 0–6) free of charge. These nurses provide support, advice, information, referrals to other professionals, guidance, and assistance to families. Parents can come with their children without an appointment. Sometimes there may be a long wait before being seen. This creates a waiting period for both parents and children—a time that could, instead, be used as an opportunity to connect. I’d like to offer a welcoming space where parents who wish to do so can sit down and be listened to as they talk about their daily lives, their mental load, and their fears or joys of being with their child and family. A moment of sharing—whether short or long—free from judgment. 

Project Partners

Early Childhood Nurses 

Community Center

Summary of Your Project

Asking for help—and finding the courage to do so—can be difficult, if not impossible, for some. This period can be particularly challenging for parents.

Parents may sometimes be overwhelmed by a range of negative feelings and thoughts after the birth of their children: feeling worthless, weak, not a good mother or father, thinking that others can do it but I can’t...

Faced with this sentiment, they’ll put pressure on themselves and:

● having to work even harder to manage everything at home;

● Criticizing your partner for never doing enough. This will create tension in the relationship;

● will no longer want to leave their homes or socialize with friends because they’ll be so tired that even the slightest effort will seem insurmountable to them.

What, perhaps, are the needs of these parents?

● the need to belong to a group, a village, or a supportive community that reflects who they are. They need to be surrounded by people like themselves, who are going through the same experiences and facing the same challenges...;

● the need to open up, without judgment, without criticism, and without unsolicited advice. Parents spend most of their time one-on-one with their child. They need to talk with supportive adults;

● the need to get out of the house, take a walk outside, go for a stroll, breathe in the fresh air, and walk in a park with their child.

The idea behind the project is to create a space for listening and sharing that runs parallel to the consultation hours of early childhood nurses. Parents already gather in person at a meeting space with their children, perhaps hoping to receive support from professionals—to weigh their child, check their health, or discuss a sleep routine. Why not take advantage of this opportunity?

This project aims to enhance this resource by creating a family-friendly space where parents can connect with other parents who have faced similar situations, finding comfort through a supportive and non-judgmental exchange. To forge new connections, build a network, and create a supportive community that can continue beyond the neighborhood center.

This proposal is intended to be a pilot project at a community center in the city of Lausanne. We hope to secure additional resources in the future to continue this initiative long-term by expanding it to several community centers. 

Your Request

Maximum amount awarded: CHF 3,000

Budget: Space coordinator—hourly rate 60.-/h x 2h: 120.- x 18 dates (1 semester): 2,160.-