Pehla Qadam
Empowering Mothers and Children Through Early Childhood Development
Pehla Qadam is Tatwir Foundation's flagship initiative focused on maternal and child health and early childhood development (ECD). We work to ensure that every child—especially those in rural and marginalized communities—gets a healthy, safe, and nurturing start in life.
Why It Matters
The early years of life, from pregnancy to age five, are critical for a child’s physical, cognitive, and emotional development. In Pakistan, millions of children are at risk of falling behind due to poor nutrition, limited access to healthcare, low maternal awareness, and lack of early learning opportunities. Early investment in ECD is one of the most effective ways to improve lifelong health, learning, and productivity while breaking cycles of poverty.
Our Goal
To help young children reach their full developmental potential through an integrated, community-led approach to health, nutrition, early learning, and caregiving.
Who We Serve
- Children aged 0–5 from underserved and rural communities
- Mothers, caregivers, and pregnant women
- Frontline workers, including lady health workers, early childhood educators, and community mobilizers
What We Do
Healthy Beginnings
We support maternal health through antenatal and postnatal care, promote child nutrition and growth monitoring, and raise awareness about immunization and hygiene.
Early Learning & Stimulation
We establish community-based early learning spaces and provide caregivers with play-based tools and techniques to support children’s cognitive and emotional development.
Parent & Caregiver Support
We strengthen caregiving practices through mother support groups and sessions on positive parenting, maternal mental health, and child protection.
Capacity Building & Systems Strengthening
We train health workers and educators in integrated ECD approaches and strengthen referral and coordination systems at the community level.
Community Advocacy
We raise awareness about the importance of the first five years of life and engage local authorities and media to strengthen policies and investment in ECD.
Our Impact
Through Pehla Qadam, we aim to:
- Improve children’s developmental outcomes and school readiness
- Strengthen nurturing care practices among parents and caregivers
- Build resilient, community-based maternal and child support systems
- Increase public and policy attention to early childhood development
A strong future begins with a strong first step — Pehla Qadam.
