The framework outlines an agenda for action aimed at reaffirming national and international commitments to ECCE, reinforcing equitable participation and quality access, increasing investment, reviewing curriculum frameworks, establishing data management systems, fostering cooperation, and providing ongoing support.
A presentation of the draft framework for action by the Institute of Early Childhood Development (IECD) was delivered to a group of delegates, including prominent figures such as Mrs. Shirley Choppy, the CEO of IECD; Mr. Benjamin Choppy, Principal Secretary of the Department of Information Communication Technology; Dr. Justin Valentin, the Minister of Education; and Mrs. MarieCeline Zialor, the Minister of Youth, Sports, and Family. Dr. Mmantsetsa Marope, the Chief of Education for the Regional Office for Education for Asia in Nairobi, Kenya, and other invited members and delegates were also in attendance. Dr. Andre Leste, acting as the education consultant on behalf of the IECDUNESCO Category 2 Institute, led the presentation.
The Category 2 Institute Draft Framework for Action emerges from the collaborative efforts of the Regional Workshop on Progress and Way Forward for Africa on the Tashkent Declaration and Commitments to Action for Transforming Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) for Countries of the Southern African and Eastern African Community. Held in Seychelles from June 5 to 7, the workshop convened senior government officials, UNESCO partners, and ECCE experts from 16 participating nations to strategize the advancement of ECCE provisions, programmes, and services.
This framework is a product of the progress made and good practices adopted by member states in their pursuit of the ECCE agenda. It encompasses the strategic priorities outlined in the Tashkent commitment to action, including policy and legal framework improvements, strengthening of ECCE systems, promoting quality learning for all children, fostering global citizenship skills, harnessing scientific evidence and digital technologies, increasing financing, enhancing multisectoral approaches, and improving monitoring and reporting capacity.
Despite progress, challenges persist in optimising ECCE provisions. These include inadequate policy environments, fragmented service delivery, inconsistent standards and quality assurance mechanisms, limited monitoring and evaluation systems, resource constraints, workforce capacity issues, and the absence of a unified national action plan.
The framework outlines an agenda for action aimed at reaffirming national and international commitments to ECCE, reinforcing equitable participation and quality access, increasing investment, reviewing curriculum frameworks, establishing data management systems, fostering cooperation, and providing ongoing support. The Institute of Early Childhood Development, as a UNESCO Category 2 Centre, will play a pivotal role in facilitating and monitoring the implementation of these plans and projects, providing technical assistance, and mobilising funding support. Through collective efforts, member countries will strive to realise the vision outlined in the Tashkent Declaration, ensuring holistic development and lifelong learning prospects for young children across Africa.
Courtesy: A. Vandervalk (Todayinseychelles.com)
