About Jali Watoto
Learn about our journey, our team, and the partnerships that make our mission possible.
Meet the Team
Duke University graduates and community partners working together to create lasting impact for mothers and children in Kenya.
Sydney Chen
Melat Woldetensae
Anne Charles
Alcade Uwonkunda
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
Our Journey
May 2023
The Beginning
June 2023
Partnership Begins
May 2024
Pilot Launch
August 2024
First Milestone
September 2024
Expansion Begins
January 2025
Davis Peace Prize
May 2025
One Year Anniversary
June 2025
Permanent Locations
August 2025
Rwanda Partnership
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.
