PS pushes for ECD timely information systems
DODOMA: THE Deputy Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Dr Wilson Mahera, has directed social welfare officers nationwide to develop a comprehensive information system for Early Childhood Development (ECD).
Dr Mahera issued a directive here when closing a three-day training for social welfare officers drawn from all regions countrywide.
The training aimed to enhance coordination and supervision of the National Multisectoral Early Childhood Development Programme (NM-ECDP).
Spanning from 2021/22 to 2025/26, the NM-ECDP seeks to accelerate early childhood development by promoting a multi-sectoral approach to nurturing care for young children.
This programme supports a coordinated approach putting into action various laws and policies relevant to ECD to address the holistic developmental needs of children aged 0 – 8 years.
During the training in Dodoma, Dr Mahera emphasized the importance of collaboration among government actors, development partners, and civil society organisations to ensure that all children in Tanzania receive nurturing care and reach their developmental potential.
ALSO READ: Mwinyi calls concerted efforts to address health challenges
He called for joint efforts from all key stakeholders in order to make sure that children have better lives.
Dr Mahera urged the social welfare officials, representing all 184 Local Government Authorities (LGAs), to adhere to the country’s norms and traditions to foster an ethical future generation.
“You must monitor community day care centres to ensure they comply with government guidelines. This should be done in partnership with other government sectors that share similar goals in ECD,” he stated.
The training also saw participation from key stakeholders involved in the implementation of the NM-ECDP, including organsations focused on ECD advocacy, such as Children in Crossfire, the Tanzania Early Childhood Development Network (TECDEN), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the Union of Tanzania Press Clubs (UTPC).
UTPC Executive Director Keneth Simbaya highlighted that all 28 press clubs across the country are prepared to collaborate with everyone involved in ECD initiatives.
Country Director of Children in Crossfire, Craig Ferla, echoed this sentiment, urging all stakeholders to champion ECD efforts.
He announced that his organization is committed to providing financial support of 10 million Tanzanian shillings to all 26 regions for three consecutive years to aid the government’s initiatives for children in Tanzania.
