What Changed in 6 Months

What We Delivered, What We Learned, and What Comes Next

Over the first 6 months of the Good Start Challenge, CareEpilepsy Ethiopia learned something very clear from the families we serve, caregivers cannot be supported properly if their children remain unsafe, unwell, or left behind. What began as caregiver sessions grew into a practical family support model shaped by real caregiver experience. Parents received counselling, peer support, health guidance, soft skills training, wellbeing support, and livelihood support, helping 30 families start small businesses and take steps toward dignity and independence. At the same time, children received clinical care, medication support, inclusive play, learning, and safe structured care, while families, faith leaders, camp leaders, schools, and community members were engaged to reduce stigma and improve understanding. The lesson is simple, but powerful, when caregivers are supported, children are safer, care becomes more consistent, and families begin to believe that a better future is possible. Further support will allow us to deepen this work, protect more children, strengthen caregiver resilience, expand community awareness, and turn this tested model into lasting change for families who have been overlooked for too long.