The African Early Childhood Network (AfECN)’s Post

Taking a whole system approach to ECD can lead to transformative & long-lasting benefits. Take a look at what communities in Malawi & Zambia are achieving for children & families. https://lnkd.in/dNVABrU3

Strengthening multi-sectoral coordination is vital for effective planning, implementation, and reflection in sub-national Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs. By aligning efforts across health, education, nutrition, and social welfare sectors, we can ensure a holistic approach that addresses the complex needs of young children, ultimately driving improved developmental outcomes. Strong intersectoral partnerships foster shared accountability, data-driven decision-making, and resource optimization, all of which are essential for scaling up sustainable ECD initiatives. #ECD #Coordination #EarlyChildhood #SystemsApproach #MultiSectoralCollaboration Early Childhood Development Action Network (ECDAN) CCBRT (Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania) Plan International BRAC International Spark Health Africa Firelight World Health Organization Investing in Children and their Societies (ICS SP) Theirworld Dovetail Impact Foundation Aga Khan Foundation East Africa Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation Education Sub Saharan Africa (ESSA) Catholic Relief Services Global Partnership for Education IBO Italia - ODV-ETS Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative (REPSSI) D-tree Montessori Community of Tanzania Right To Play UWEZO TANZANIA Ubongo Jacobs Foundation Girl Effect IKEA Foundation Global Communities The LEGO Foundation UK in Tanzania Global Schools Forum World Vision TAHEA MWANZA Vijana Pambana Pata Maendeleo Rukwa

Today is World Children's Day, a moment to reflect on the rights and well-being of children everywhere. Every child deserves a voice and the opportunity to thrive. That’s why we are proud to partner with the Ethiopian government to launch a Children’s Parliament - a platform to empower children to share their perspectives and shape their future. Globally, millions of children lack access to the care and education they need. At PfC, we are working to change this narrative through sustainable childcare solutions that not only nurture children but also empower women and strengthen families. Together, we can ensure every child grows up with the opportunities they deserve. Investing in children is investing in a brighter, more equitable future. 💙 Photo by Thought Leader Africa #WorldChildrensDay #ChildrensParliament #ECCE #ChildcareMatters #EmpowerWomen #QualityEducation #SDGs #PfC #FutureGeneration

This article is spot on. "South Africa’s future depends on its ability to nurture its youngest citizens effectively." We need quality ECD options for parents and children across South Africa and beyond. https://lnkd.in/dJrSdSsg

EXPLORE A GLIMPSE FROM OUR CURRENT PUBLICATION The Complexities of Transnational Childcare Practices among Ghanaian Families in a Context of Global Pandemic. By Patricia Serwaa Afrifa. Childcare remains central in all human societies. This is because it is in children that humans invest their immortality and ensure the continuity of humanity. This partly explains the social collectivism that is brought to bear in childcare to the extent that in some indigenous African societies, the popular axiom is: "It takes a village to raise to raise a child". While the forces of modernity, neoliberalism, and the near-collapse of the extended family system across the world, including indigenous societies, have negatively impacted collective childcare, parents continue to devise creative strategies to nurture their children. For the full article, go to our website: https://lnkd.in/dNrznEfQ Want to submit a paper for subsequent issues? See https://lnkd.in/d25TxGt #MigrationStudies #Research #AfricanMigration #CurrentIssue #irinkerindo #IJAM

https://lnkd.in/eaTvSpEh ⭐ We are very excited to share with you our latest research on community perceptions and practices in relation to early childhood care in Jordan. ⭐ This research was conducted by Sama and is part of a larger Baseline Study conducted for the Burden of Childcare Reduced and Addressed for Women in Jordan (BUCRA) project. BUCRA is a five-year collaborative initiative implemented by the World University Service of Canada, in partnership with the National Council for Family Affairs, SADAQA, and the Vocational Training Corporation, with the aim of enhancing the economic participation of women in Jordan by address the most pressing childcare issues preventing women from participating in the workforce. BUCRA is funded by Global Affairs Canada. The paper incorporates findings from qualitative research conducted with community members. 17 FGDs were conducted in Amman, Zarqa, Irbid, Ajloun, Madaba, Karak and Maan with a total of 158 community members (125 women and 33 men). The research explores community perceptions around the use of ECCD services, accessibility, affordability, and quality of these services, and power dynamics and decision-making around the use of services. The report also includes findings from discussions with mothers of children with disabilities as well as refugees. Follow the link to download the English and Arabic versions. #care #ECD #earlychildhoodcare #women #economicparticipation #Jordan #researchbrief #communityfindings

50 Teenage Mothers Return to School in Northern Ghana (See Details) In a heartening development, 50 teenage mothers in Ghana's Northern Region have successfully returned to school after receiving vital support from ActionAid Ghana and Songtaba, two non-governmental organizations. This initiative aligns with the Ghana Education Service's (GES) Re-entry Policy, aimed at ensuring young mothers can continue their education post-childbirth. Since receiving 👉 https://lnkd.in/ehmx6sn2

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending the launch of Ghana’s Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Dashboard, spearheaded by the Centre for Learning and Childhood Development (CLCD) in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection. This innovative tool represents a transformative step forward in our journey to provide quality early childhood services to every child in Ghana. The ECCD Dashboard is more than just a data tool, it’s a promise to Ghana’s youngest citizens. This platform provides us with a comprehensive view of the health, nutrition, education, and development data of children from birth to age eight, shining a light on where our efforts are working and where we can invest more. With the ability to track real-time data. The dashboard empowers stakeholders and policymakers to make data-driven decisions that will directly impact the lives of children across the country. At the launch event, it was inspiring to see stakeholders from government, civil society, and international organizations come together, united by the belief that every child deserves a strong foundation. The ECCD Dashboard will play a critical role in fulfilling this vision. As Ghana works towards the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), this tool will serve as a beacon of accountability and transparency. #ECCD #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment #DataForGood #Ghana #SDG4 #SDG3 #Education Center for Learning and Childhood Development (CLCD) - Ghana

🚨 Submit Your Abstract for ACFKigali2025! 🚨 The 1st Africa Childcare Forum (ACFKigali2025) is just around the corner, and we want YOU to be part of it! If you’re passionate about driving change in childcare, don’t miss your chance to share your insights with over 500 global leaders in Kigali. Submit your abstract or session proposal (max. 300 words) aligned with our theme Strengthening Evidence, Accelerating Action and be part of this groundbreaking conversation that will shape the future of childcare in Africa. If you have insights, research, or strategies, submit a 300-word abstract under one of our 10 critical sub-themes: 1. The Business of Childcare 2. Disability and Inclusion 3. Investment Climate Reforms, Childcare, and Women's Economic Empowerment 4. Caregiver Health 5. Realizing Nurturing Care and Protection 6. Domestic Workers as Childcare Workers: Issues and Opportunities 7. Childcare Laws, Policies, and Regulations 8. Climate Change and Childcare 9. Data Management and Technology 10. Integrating Local Childcare Practices ⏰ Deadline: 15th December 2024   🔗 https://lnkd.in/d9iJdt8U Take the stage, ignite ideas, and be a catalyst for change! Let’s make a lasting impact on childcare across the continent. UNICEF Middle East and North Africa UN Women Arab States Arab Network for Early Childhood ANECD United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) OECD Public Governance National Council for Childhood and Motherhood Save the Children - Egypt CO هيئة إنقاذ الطفولة، برنامج مصر Plan International Egypt Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation Arab Foundations Forum (AFF) Education Cannot Wait (ECW) Global Partnership for Education UNICEF Jordan - يونيسف الأردن Arab NGO Network for Development - ANND Asia-Pacific Regional Network for Early Childhood (ARNEC) Arab Council for Childhood and Development (ACCD) Moomken Organization Lawyers for Justice in Libya Al-Khair Foundation Perpetual Peace Foundation CAEP Libya Islamic Relief Tunisia She Starts Africa UNICEF Tunisie UNOPS Halley Movement Ahead Mauritius I61 Foundation Monad Charity SOS Children's Villages Jordan جمعية قرى الأطفال الأردنية SOS Children's Villages Mauritius #ACF2025 #ACFKigali2025 #CAC2025 #QC4All #ChildcareInnovation #AfricaChildcareForum #SubmitYourAbstract #PolicyChange #AcceleratingAction

On the Day of the African Child 2024, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, in collaboration with Early Years Count Uganda launched the inaugural National Situation Analysis of Early Childhood Development in Uganda. This analysis is crucial as nearly one-third of our population is aged 0-8 years. Overall, Uganda has made significant progress in delivering ECD services, leading to improved developmental outcomes for children. However, The uneven progress in ECD service delivery and access reveals disparities across the country. Those left behind are often characterised by factors such as low wealth, disability, rural residence, and parental incarceration. Specifically, children from impoverished backgrounds are at risk of missing out on ECCE. Similarly, they may face barriers to healthcare, as evidenced by a high percentage of parents seeking treatment for under 5 illnesses at private clinics. Notably, regions like Kampala, the south-central region, Karamoja and Bunyoro sub-regions exhibit disproportionately poor access and service delivery. These areas warrant focused interventions or strengthened existing efforts to address these disparities. Ensuring the protection and development of these children is key to achieving our national development goals by 2040. Read the Report>https://lnkd.in/eH6ERC-K #UgandaECD #EarlyYearsCount Moving Minds Alliance Early Childhood Development Initiative (ECDI) Early Childhood Alliance Premier Early Childhood Education Partners Echidna Giving The ELMA Philanthropies Africa Early Childhood Network Hilton Early Childhood Development Action Network (ECDAN) the LEGO Group The LEGO Foundation Porticus Early Childhood Investigations Webinars Early Years Alliance The International Early Years Curriculum