The Mid-Year Progress Review session, held on July 19th, 2024, at the IECD Head Office in Ile Perseverance, revealed that the completion rate of the National Action Plan (NAP) on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) for 2023-2024 as at July 2024. has reached 72%, a significant 13-point increase since December 2023.
The mid-year review session for the 2-year of the NAP assessed the progress of 16 projects, with a notable few already completed and others nearing completion. While some projects have been delayed, they are expected to conclude by the end of 2024.
The review aimed to highlight achievements, discuss challenges faced by the ECCE sectors, and propose solutions to address them. Key obstacles encountered by some sectors included lack of management support, budget constraints, low participant engagement, and resource limitations. The progress review panel was chaired by Captain David Savy, Chairperson of IECD local Board, and comprised Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Shirley Choppy, Board Member Ms. Magda Rose, and Ambassador Bernard Shamlaye.
Almost three quarters of the milestone completion revealed significant progress. This is attributed to the sectoral team members’ dedication and commitment which has played an instrumental role in the successful implementation of the NAP which have been instrumental in this achievement. The Institute of Early Childhood Development (IECD) / UNESCO Category 2 Institute has excelled, boasting an impressive 96% completion rate across four projects in the National Action Plan.
The Social Affairs Sector has also made notable progress, with a 68% completion rate. At the review session, Principal Secretary for Social Affairs, Mrs. Linda William-Melanie, praised her team’s dedication, noting that their efforts go beyond their regular responsibilities. The meeting was attended by other high-level officials from the Education Sector and Family Sector, including Principal Secretary Mr. John Lesperance and the CEO of the National Children’s Council, Mrs. Yasmin Umarji.
The National Action Plan on ECCE 2023-2024 will come to an end in December 2024, with five months remaining. The IECD Chairperson, Captain David Savy, expressed appreciation for the collective effort towards improving early childhood care and education, ultimately benefiting children and partners involved.
The successful mid-year review session underscores the significance of regular monitoring and evaluation of projects implementation to ensure effective delivery of services to all children and their families accessing ECCE services, including the vulnerable populations. As the plan concludes its two-year cycle, the IECD and its partners will continue to work together to achieve its objectives and ensure the holistic development and better future for children in Seychelles.
