Care for Children,
Empower Mothers
Free hospital-based childcare in Kisumu, Kenya, so mothers can prioritize their health
Our Mission
We believe that ambition must scale up with commitment. Guided by the truth that good health and access to healthcare is a conduit for mental, emotional, and physical peace, we will always strive to provide free childcare through Jali Watoto so that no mother has to choose between her child's wellbeing and her own.
Our Impact
How It Started
Jali Watoto was born from a partnership cultivated over three years in Kisumu, Kenya. Duke students Sydney Chen and Melat Woldetensae were working on cervical cancer prevention when they noticed a critical barrier: mothers were missing vital medical appointments because they had no safe place to leave their children.
In partnership with hospital administrators, community health promoters, and childcare specialists, they built free childcare and breastfeeding centers so mothers can prioritize their health while knowing their children are cared for.
What started as a pilot program in May 2024 has grown to serve thousands of families across two hospitals, with plans to expand county-wide.
Our Partner Hospitals
Lumumba Sub-County Hospital
Our pilot location where Jali Watoto first opened in May 2024. The center has been permanently established with a dedicated space featuring colorful murals, educational toys, and a lactation room.
Medical Superintendent: Pamela Olilo
Migosi Sub-County Hospital
Our second location, opened in 2025 with support from the Davis Projects for Peace grant. Features a newly constructed childcare center and breastfeeding room.
Medical Superintendent: Evelyn Mbotwa
Meet the Founders
Duke University graduates who turned their global health research experience into lasting impact for mothers and children in Kenya.
Sydney Chen
President & Co-Founder
Duke AB'25 - Global Health & International Comparative Studies
Melat Woldetensae
Treasurer & Co-Founder
Duke AB'25 - Biology & Computational Biology
Anne Charles
Secretary
Duke AB'25
Recognition & Support
Davis Projects for Peace
2025 grant recipient supporting the expansion to Migosi Hospital and permanent establishment at Lumumba Hospital.
Duke Global Health Institute
Ongoing support through the Center for Global Reproductive Health and faculty mentorship from Dr. Megan Huchko.
Support Our Mission
Help us expand Jali Watoto to more hospitals across Kisumu County and beyond. Every contribution helps mothers access the healthcare they deserve.
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