The African Early Childhood Network (AfECN)

⏳ 2 DAYS TO GO! 📢 Job Opportunity Alert! 📢

As we celebrate #WorldChildrensDay, we are reminded of the urgent need to invest in the early years. By doing so, we invest in our collective future. The #ActForEarlyYears campaign highlights three critical actions needed to address the global early years crisis: -Universal Access to Quality Primary Health Care -Universal Access to Quality Preschool Education -Universal Support for Families Now is the time to act. Let us come together to ensure every child has the #BestStartInLife. Join us in advocating for change through the #ActForEarlyYears #Minifesto Together, we can create a brighter future for every child: https://ow.ly/SeSy50TorLa Theirworld #IStand4Children

📢Job Opportunity Alert! 📢 AfECN is seeking a Research, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Manager to lead the development, implementation, and management of AfECN’s M&E framework for all its programmes. This role will involve ensuring that all activities are monitored and evaluated to assess their impact on early childhood development policies, programs, and practices in Africa. The Manager will also ensure that data collected is used to inform decision-making and advocacy efforts. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/dpcDiGHn ⏳: 29th November 2024 #IStand4Children #hiring

Watch the 'Early Years Matter' Video 👉: https://lnkd.in/dCq4_Piv A staggering 2 out of every 3 children in Africa live in extreme poverty with inadequate nutrition, in unstable communities, lacking social services for family and caregiver support. These children suffer poor developmental outcomes, reduced productivity and are less able to help their own children grow and develop. Let us change this story by collaborating with all key stakeholders to:  1. Build on positive community and cultural practices that support child development. 2. Strengthen service delivery systems and co-ordination across sectors at all levels. 3. Develop and implement policies that support nationwide access to quality services for all children. Join the AfECN Community today: https://lnkd.in/ev-pSF-d #IStand4Children

" An infant’s early experiences have a profound impact on their overall health and development. Every Infant deserves the best start in life—good health and nutrition, responsive care, opportunities for early learning and a safe environment for a brighter future." #IStand4Children

Today marks a pivotal moment for Early Childhood Development (ECD) in Zambia! The African Early Childhood Network (AfECN), UNICEF and the Early Childhood Development Action Network Zambia (ECDAN-Z), working alongside Government counterparts are partnering to convene a one-day National Dialogue on Early Childhood Development and Childcare. The National Dialogue is targeting policy makers, development partners, and civil society organizations involved with strengthening policies and programs that support early childhood development in Zambia. With the government committing to ECD in the 8th National Development Plan, this dialogue aims to enhance awareness, promote a shared understanding of nurturing care, and advocate for a National Multisectoral ECD Policy. Together, we will push for greater investment in ECD services and establish clear methods to track progress, ensuring that every young child in Zambia receives the quality support they deserve. Let's champion this vital cause for a brighter future! Join Online Here: https://lnkd.in/dVj_GyJP #IStand4Children #AfECN

Missed yesterday's webinar on Models of Childcare Provision in the Global South? This insightful webinar explores the diverse ways childcare is provided in resource-limited settings, focusing on quality, accessibility, and affordability. Moderated by Silke Staab, the discussion featured experts from WIEGO - Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing The African Early Childhood Network (AfECN) UN Women Early Childhood Development Action Network (ECDAN) who shared insights on various childcare models and their effectiveness in different contexts. #InternationalDayOfCareAndSupport Watch the recording now! ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eBw_R6C8

Excitement is building as we prepare for the IT'S PLAY Regional Symposium in Lusaka, Zambia, on 11-12 November 2024! Our key presenters are set to share their insights on scaling and sustaining #LearningThroughPlay. Don’t miss out—register now: https://lnkd.in/ea6ZJ4Qh Tamara Billima Pratik Patel Mwamba Kapambwe Susan Place Everhart Valérie Djioze Gallet Rupert Corbishley Sabre Education Aga Khan Foundation UNESCO Innovations for Poverty Action The African Early Childhood Network (AfECN) The LEGO Foundation FHI 360 Zambia open Community Schools Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) Roger Federer Foundation Plan International VVOB in Uganda VVOB in South Africa VVOB in Rwanda

Today here in #AbuDhabi during the World Early Childhood Development (#WED) Forum there was a very interesting session on Designing Family Friendly Cities. "Majlisna" is an initiative in the #UAE that aims to create public spaces that promote health, active play, social interactions and cultural engagements. Our streets and towns don't seem to be designed for all users. There is a great opportunity for #AfricanUniversities to champion the agenda of re-designing our cities so they accommodate the needs of children, families, the elderly and the differently abled. The African Early Childhood Network (AfECN) George Evans Owino (Ph.D.) hasina ebrahim Jessica Castelyn Nodumo Dhlamini

📢 Join us in Lusaka, Zambia on November 11-12, 2024, for the Regional Symposium, Spark & Grow: Advancing Play-Based Learning in the Early Years focusing on scaling play-based learning initiatives in early childhood education (ECE) co-hosted by the Ministry of Education Zambia, VVOB, The African Early Childhood Network (AfECN), with support from The LEGO Foundation. Explore key themes including the roles of policies and governments, teachers, parents, communities, monitoring, evaluation, and learning research and advocacy Attendance: In-person only. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eJMtEDPs Let’s come together to spark creativity and growth in early childhood education! #IStand4Children