The role of the Institute of Early Childhood Development (IECD) is to provide leadership in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), to improve the quality and accessibility of early childhood care and education to ensure the holistic development of all children. Through its advocacy initiatives IECD collaborates and synchronizes its effort with professionals in ECCE in creating awareness among policy-makers and the population in general.
The first phase of the survey conducted in 2015, highlighted important gaps in the participants’ knowledge on a wide range of ECCE issues. It was recommended therefore that the survey be replicated to determine if there are positive shifts in respondents’ knowledge, attitude and practice pertaining to Early Childhood Care and Education.
The main purpose of the 2ndAdvocacy Survey which was conducted in August 2017 was to evaluate whether there had been a change in the level of knowledge and understanding of policy makers, professionals in ECCE and the population in general on ECCE issues. The results will determine areas of strength, weakness in ECCE and appropriate measures required.
The survey’s respondents included policy makers, ECCE technical team members, practicing professionals in Health, Education and Social Affairs, other professionals and community leaders. The sampling of the wider community and printing of maps were done in collaboration with the National Statistics Bureau (NSB). The general population was sensitized about the survey through adverts and quiz on the IECD’s facebook page.
This survey (biennial) started off with the training of thirteen data collectors on Friday 21st July and was facilitated by the project Consultant, Mr. Egbert Benstrong. The data collection phase ensued on Monday 21st August and ended on Friday 1st September in twenty-three districts on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. Two enumeration areas which consists six households were selected per district.
A very promising preliminary result was presented by the Consultant to the IECD Management and Staff on Monday 18th December 2017, ahead of a dissemination workshop, as part of the ECCE Forum, for professionals in ECCE, stakeholders, partners and members of the public. The Forum will be held during the first quarter of 2018.
