Govt Approves Landmark in Early Childhood Development Framework
The government has given the green light to the Early Childhood Development Coordination (ECD) Framework, a comprehensive strategy aimed at harmonizing existing policies, strategies, and initiatives to provide quality and affordable services to children up to seven years old.
The framework, presented by Vice President Kembo Mohadi, seeks to address the country’s early childhood development challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient resources, and limited access to quality education.
According to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the ECD Framework is aligned with the country’s Constitution and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1): 2021-2025, which underscore the importance of investing in early childhood development as a tool for poverty reduction and socio-economic transformation.
“The approval of the ECD Framework is a significant milestone in our efforts to improve early childhood development in Zimbabwe.
ALSO READ:Â Rural Learners Suffer as Ruling Elites Indulge in Luxury
“We recognize the critical role that quality early childhood education plays in shaping the future of our nation, and we are committed to ensuring that all children have access to the best possible start in life,” he said.
The ECD Framework has three primary objectives: harmonizing existing policies and initiatives, setting and improving standards for ECD services, and strengthening the capacity of existing systems to deliver integrated and inclusive programs.
This comprehensive approach is expected to address the country’s early childhood development challenges and ensure that all children have access to quality education.
Zimbabwe’s commitment to early childhood development is also reflected in its signing of several global and regional protocols, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
By approving the ECD Framework, Zimbabwe is reaffirming its dedication to investing in its youngest citizens and ensuring that they have access to quality education and care.
“The ECD Framework is a crucial step towards ensuring that all children in Zimbabwe have access to quality early childhood education,” said a spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Network of Early Childhood Development Actors (ZINECDA).
“We welcome the government’s commitment to prioritizing early childhood development and look forward to working together to ensure the successful implementation of the framework.”
As the country moves forward with implementing the ECD Framework, it is clear that the country is committed to prioritizing the needs of its youngest citizens. By investing in early childhood development, Zimbabwe is laying the foundation for a brighter future for all its people.
