In it together: From the First 1,000 Days to the Next 1,000.

When I took on the role at Dost Education , it felt like a natural alignment with my passion and experience. But as I delved deeper, it became a mirror—pushing me to reflect, especially on my journey as a young mother. When I became a mother, I was unsure of many things. I wanted to do it right, but I was burdened with countless questions: Am I doing it right? Am I giving him the right nutrition? Am I supposed to talk to him often, or what kind of activities are best? Should I be constantly worried about his vocabulary development? Advice poured in from all directions—family, neighbors, even strangers—but it was hard to discern what truly mattered to me personally in supporting my aspiration for my child.

At Dost, this reflection deepened, and while deeply individual, it connected me to the struggles of mothers in low-resource communities. Of course, there is no comparison; women in low-resource communities have it much harder. They face additional challenges: limited resources, lack of agency, familial and societal norms and expectations, and the burden of abiding by them. They are the anchors of their families—raising children, feeding them, managing household responsibilities, and often contributing to family income. Despite facing gender-based and role-based systemic neglect for generations, they remain deeply aspirational for their children. Yet, with minimal to no access to reliable information or support, they are left to navigate this journey alone.

And it’s not always just a mother’s solitary journey. Fathers, extended families, and communities—all of these play an important role in shaping the parenting journey. Research has highlighted the role of fathers in influencing the emotional and cognitive growth of children, yet fathers are often absent from caregiving duties or are minimally engaged in their ‘economic’ responsibilities. Grandparents and extended family members, too, while deeply connected, can perpetuate stereotypes or become catalysts for change.

We have come to understand the significance of the first 1,000 days of life as pivotal for brain development—a period during which every interaction matters. Yet, as The Lancet points out, the next 1,000 days—ages 2 to 5—are equally critical but far more neglected. This is a time when children develop foundational motor, social, and language skills, but for many, it becomes a period of being “lost in the cracks”—caught between healthcare systems focused on infancy and formal education systems that begin later.

It is also during these years that disabilities or developmental delays often surface. With fragmented support systems, parents are left to figure it out on their own, often unaware that exposure to domestic violence, punitive treatment, and regressive societal practices can leave lasting trauma in children. Mothers, and in some cases both parents, want to nurture, teach, and create a stimulating learning environment at home. But without guidance or encouragement, how can they? Both the first 1,000 days and the next 1,000 days demand robust support for families.

These reflections have shaped my understanding of our mission and approach. Mothers and fathers often need a trusted source—a saathi, a dost—someone they can lean on alongside their communities. Our vision extends beyond parents to engage the wider community as a partner in creating nurturing environments. Our learnings have reinforced our belief in the power of our work and our message to the parents and communities we serve: You’ve got this, and we’re here to help.