The National Taskforce for Early Childhood Development (ECD) Advocacy and Finance has urged Phalombe District Council to prioritise ECD programmes to support the attainment of Malawi 2063.
National Taskforce Chairperson for ECD Advocacy and Finance, Reverend Nase Chunga, made the call on Monday during an interface meeting with council officials and representatives from the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare on the need to increase investment in ECD.
Chunga said there was a need for councils to work with local businesses and companies to mobilise resources for ECD programmes, saying the sector remains inadequately funded despite its importance in child development.
“Early childhood programmes provide a strong foundation for children and require adequate support from all stakeholders.
“Only 30 percent of caregivers in Community-Based Childcare Centres (CBCCs) across the country are trained, while some centres have high caregiver-to-child ratios,” he said.
Chunga further said Phalombe faces similar challenges, with many caregivers serving on a voluntary basis and operating with limited teaching and learning materials.
“In Phalombe, there are 1,245 caregivers, of whom 560 are trained. Out of these, only 87 receive honoraria while the rest work as volunteers,” he said.
The taskforce has since proposed that a portion of the Community Development Fund (CDF) be dedicated to ECD activities, including construction and rehabilitation of CBCC structures, caregiver training, remuneration and nutrition interventions.
Chunga said although ECD was reflected in CDF guidelines, there is a need for councils to give the sector greater attention to ensure children receive quality care and education during their formative years.
Meanwhile, Phalombe District Council Chairperson, Luke Jeffrey, said the council remains committed to supporting ECD programmes in the district.
He said the council plans to construct modern ECD centres in various areas to improve access to early childhood services and provide a conducive learning environment for children.
