Government through the Ministry of Gender, has in partnership with UNICEF launched webinar series aimed at creating awareness about early childhood development in the country.
According to Rogers Golooba, a Senior Probation and Welfare Officer at the Ministry of Gender, the webinar series that will run for six months are aimed at increasing awareness about early childhood development and capacity at all levels of governance, strengthen multisectoral coordination and stakeholder networks, inform policy adjustments and drive localized action.
“The webinar series will help establish a national knowledge sharing model under Ministry of Gender leadership but also lay the groundwork for a sustainable, institutionalized platform for ongoing early childhood development engagement,” Golooba said.
The Ministry of Gender Permanent Secretary, Aggrey David Kibenge underscored the role of early childhood development.
“The early years of life, particularly from conception to age eight lay the foundation for lifelong wellbeing, productivity and citizenship. Our policy and planning frameworks strongly reflect this understanding and policy thrust,” Kibenge said.
He insisted that child wellbeing is a priority for everyone.
“Investment in early childhood development is therefore not just a just a social imperative but strategic economic development decision.”
The Ministry of Gender Permanent Secretary said since the launch of the Integrated Early Childhood Development Policy in 2016, several milestones have been reached in the area of early childhood development.
Dr. Robin Nandy, the UNICEF representative in Uganda hailed Uganda for bold steps in addressing early childhood development but said more is still needed to be done.
“Now that the plans and strategies are in place, it is critical that you match these with action. There is more work to be done in this regard. We hold on you our leaders to champion greater value through advocacy for early childhood development,” Dr.Nandy said, reaffirming UNICEF’s commitment to walk the journey with Uganda in this direction.
“Together let us ensure every Ugandan child, no matter where they were born has a chance to survive and thrive.”
He urged that Uganda can in the near future can announce a compulsory pre-primary education to ensure all children start primary school with the foundation needed to learn, thrive and stay in school but also promoting equity but providing access to every child access to early education.
