In Seychelles, like in many other small developing states, data may be readily available in various modes and from different sources. However, there is a need to improve data quality, usability, comprehensibility, ease of retrieval and intelligence to make a real difference in the performance of organizations.
In our national context, specifically in the domain of early childhood development, it is recognized that there are currently many gaps in the process of collection, reporting and accessibility of data across different sectors. The World Bank’s System Approach for Better Education Results in Early Childhood Development (SABER-ECD) underlined the need to develop sound indicators for a national database and data management system on early childhood development. This need was again identified in the 2nd ECCE Biennial Conference in 2013 as a recommendation for an integrated information system to provide reliable and up to date data on all ECCE indicators.
The Institute of Early Childhood Development (IECD) took up the challenge and partnered with the World Bank for financial and technical assistance to develop and implement this national project. The first phase of the project was conducted in September 2016 and included a situational analysis carried out in the health sector and a sensitization workshop on data management in ECCE for all professionals in health and other sectors in ECCE.
As part of the second phase of the project, IECD in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the World Bank hosted a validation and training workshop on Data Management in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) on 12th and 14thJune 2017. The workshop was conducted by Ms. Lindsay Adams, an Early Childhood Consultant from the World Bank. After collegial welcome and introductory remarks from CEO of IECD, Mrs. Shirley Choppy; the CEO of the Health Care Agency, Dr. Danny Louange outlined the importance and benefits of such a project in line with international norms and best practices. He reiterated the importance that the government is placing on ECCE, the need to urgently address the challenges in data management for further improvements in particular on health-related indicators and at national level.
Mrs Adams presenting the indicators which will be used for the data collection
Mrs. Adams presented a list of selected and approved indicators for the project which were primarily based on WHO standards. Furthermore, she provided additional information on the definition, collection and recording of data for analytical purposes. Participants reviewed and validated two main documents based on Child Health and Nutrition – the ‘Indicator Dictionary’ and the ‘Collection Manual’. A range of comments and suggestions were put forth by the participants and these will be further refined by the Consultant in readiness for trial implementation.
The second day of the workshop focused on-actual calculation of diverse data, practical sessions and the procedures for collecting, analyzing, collating and retrieving data for reporting purposes.
Following the trial phase in the Ministry of Health, it is expected that the trial model will be fully implemented and replicated by other ECCE sectors. The ultimate aim of improving data management in ECCE nationally will be achieved by establishing structures and procedures for the systematic collection, management and use of data related to early childhood health, nutrition and development. This will be done through the building of technical and human capacity for improved multi-sectoral data management and use.
Dr. Conrad Shamlaye, Consultant and Advisor to the Ministry of Health, expressed great satisfaction with the outcome of the two-day workshop. He further commended the excellent collaborative work between IECD and the Health sector in the implementation of this project, which will positively impact the holistic development of young children.
Dr Shamlaye addressing the participants
The workshop brought together many front-line professionals from various sections and units to reflect on current practices discuss indicators and the way forward. The final phase of the project, which is the pilot implementation of the indicator framework and manual will take place in the second half of 2017.
Family photo after a fruitful 2-day workshop
