ECD ISSUES & RECOMMENDATIONS

1. ECD ISSUES & RECOMMENDATIONS Children Ready for SchoolsSchools Ready For Children WG.ECD. ADEA

2. Policies Quality Basic Services Family Child Community ECD Framework WG.ECD. ADEA

3. KEY ISSUES Delayed and inadequate growth and development (low birth weight , malnutrition, micro nutrient deficiency affecting brain development and learning) Increasing number of orphans (maternal mortality, conflicts & HIV/AIDS) Lack of access to quality basic services for young children, especially in disadvantaged communities LESSONS LEARNED No one single ECD program model applicable to all national contexts: there is a range of options and examples (to be evaluated) The quality of the programs is key (training , appropriate materials, secure environments) ECD programs have demonstrated their impact on access, retention and success in primary school (reducing drop out and repetition), ensuring gender parity. Partnerships, collaboration & coordination are essential for a holistic response to children’s rights & development needs. CHILDREN READY FOR SCHOOL WG.ECD. ADEA

4. KEY ISSUES Factors affecting capability of parents / caregivers to care and educate children Changes in family structures, poverty, conflicts, HIV/AIDS Insufficient knowledge and skills Limited access to info and services (literacy level, lack of communication) Opportunity costs within families Gender related issues Parents’ own negative experiences with the education system LESSONS LEARNED Necessity to build on knowledge & practices of positive traditional care Continuous sensitization of parents on ECD concept and interventions is crucial Empowerment of parents (with a gender perspective) is key PARENTS SUPPORTING CHILDREN: WG.ECD. ADEA

5. KEY ISSUES Serious problems in the early grades of primary Highest dropout/ repetition rates in the first years Large number of under and /or over-aged children Large class sizes Language of instruction different to that of home Early primary teachers without adequate training Long distances Limited school/ community links. LESSONS LEARNED Training & motivation of teachers are crucial Pedagogic material (even local or home made) make the difference Children learn better in their first language The size of group/class and the Teacher/ Child ratio is important SCHOOLS READY FOR CHILDREN WG.ECD. ADEA

6. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MoE • Prioritise early grades in terms of human, financial & material resources: improve training, skills and status of teachers of the 1st grades • Increase awareness of school principals and managements on the need to support smooth transition and success in Grades 1 & 2. • Monitor and report systematically on the survival rates of children in Grades 1 & 2 • Intensify efforts for girls’ education • Facilitate links between primary schools and ECD programs to ensure mutual understanding and smooth transition • Ensure that school managements encourage community participation and parent involvement in children learning at schools and at home • Incorporate ECD contents and messages in all functional adult literacy and non formal education programs WG.ECD. ADEA

7. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COLLABORATION • Promote and participate in intersectoral collaboration with other services (Health , Nutrition, Social Welfare/ Protection, Water and Sanitation ) to ensure a holistic response to the young child’s needs and rights (CRC). • Support and participate in the elaboration of a comprehensive policy framework and actions plans for ECD : with prioritizations, evaluation of costs and strategies for financing and resource mobilization. • Support and participate in relevant parenting programs for all caregivers (including fathers and young parents) ensuring early stimulation and learning content. WG.ECD. ADEA

8. Thank You on behalf of the Young Children WG.ECD. ADEA