ECDE Regional Conference Pretoria 2013

1. ECDE Regional Conference Pretoria 2013 Zambia National education Coalition Presentation

2. Presentation Outline • Introduction • Key points on current status • Definition of quality ECDE • The initiative • What is the initiative addressing • Who is involved • What is it promoting • Conclusion

3. Introduction The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) was established by education civil society organizations and trade unions who came together with an agenda to plan, collaborate and implement joint advocacy activities in relation to education. The aim was to ensure that Government, Cooperating partners, Civil society organisations, communities and other stakeholders such as the private sector initiate and implement activities that would contribute to achieving the Education For All and the Millennium Development Goals on education by 2015.

4. Key points on current status • The provision of ECDE was largely in private hands until 2013 • Access to ECDE services currently at 18.7% • The sector is supported by a draft ECE policy • This is when the policy, standards and curriculum are being concluded • There is inadequate coordination of responsibilities among players • There is hope in the govt’s promise to improve the sector

5. Definition of Quality ECDE What does quality mean in the context of education? Many definitions of quality in education exist, testifying to the complexity and multifaceted nature of the concept. (Adams, 1993).

6. Definition of Quality ECDE, cont’d Quality education includes: • Learners who are healthy, well-nourished and ready to participate and learn, and supported in learning by their families and communities; • Environments that are healthy, safe, protective and gender-sensitive, and provide adequate resources and facilities;

7. Definition of Quality ECDE, cont’d • Content that is reflected in relevant curricula and materials for the acquisition of basic skills, especially in the areas of literacy, numeracy and skills for life, and knowledge in such areas as gender, health, nutrition, HIV/AIDS prevention and peace;

8. Definition of Quality ECDE, cont’d • Processes through which trained teachers use child-centred teaching approaches in well-managed classrooms and schools and skilful assessment to facilitate learning and reduce disparities; • Outcomes that encompass knowledge, skills and attitudes, and are linked to national goals for education and positive participation in society. UNICEF 2000

9. The Initiative • While our government’s position on ECDE is favorable at the moment, this comes from a long period of advocacy engagement on issues of ECDE Policy, Government direct involvement in the provision of the service, employing of ECDE teachers, allocation of resources to ECDE in the national budget and so forth.

10. The Initiative, cont’d The annexing of ECDE to Primary schools program prompted the realisation of a gap towards ensuring quality service. The role of parents in the education of their young ones. Two programs were cardinal. These are; • Public campaigns through Road shows and • Parenting Education

11. What is the initiative addressing Road Show Bus Campaign • The low demand for ECDE in rural districts • Low awareness on the importance of ECDE among the majority populace • Linking parents/children to services/providers • Engaging traditional leaders and govt officials • Parents’ role in ensuring ECDE and holding govt/providers accountable

12. What is the initiative addressing, cont’d Parenting Education • Protection of children from physical danger • Provision of sufficient nutrition and health care • Responsive and loving interactions with parents and other members of the family. • Consistent expectations from his/her immediate environment and from adults • Encouragement and reward for using effective language • Opportunities to learn cooperation, sharing and helping

13. What is the initiative addressing, cont’d • A chance to develop independence, take responsibility and make choices • Opportunities to engage in activities that support cognitive development • Support in the development of self-worth and a positive sense of mastery • Opportunity for socialization to become group member and to have a cultural identity, i.e. a sense of belonging • Positive role models from parents, family and community members • Setting standards, rules and guidelines and principles for children to follow

14. Who is involved? • All the ZANEC’s ECCDE thematic group members • They are accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education in charge of ECDE programmes • ZANEC uses it members in various provinces and districts to help organise the campaigns

15. What is it promoting? • Parental understanding of ECDE and action to access services for their children • Enhanced demand for quality services by the members of the public • Services that a model ECDE centre should provide (quality assurance) • Coordination between the public and the govt in local ECDE service provision

16. Conclusion • Zambia’s ECDE services has been enhanced in the last two years because the current govt promised in its manifesto to do so • The ECCDE Thematic Committee has not allowed demands for increased access compromise the need for quality ECDE services by incorporating them in the messages • Some centres visited have met the basic quality needs in terms of infrastructure but the numbers of children in a class remain a challenge