A high-level gathering of leaders and experts from 16 Southern and Eastern African countries recently converged in Seychelles to discuss the importance of transforming early childhood care and education (ECCE) in the region.
From the countries’ presentations, it was evident that each country has made significant strides in developing its ECCE sector, with some demonstrating impressive progress while others are still working to implement innovative initiatives. Despite these differences in experience and achievements, every country brought unique perspectives and insights to the table, offering valuable lessons for others to learn from.
From innovative curriculum designs to effective teacher training programs, attendees were treated to a diverse array of examples showcasing the diversity of approaches to ECCE. While some countries have made rapid strides in improving access to quality ECCE services, others are still navigating the challenges of scaling up programmes to meet growing demand.
The three-day Regional Workshop on the Tashkent Declaration and Commitments to Action for Transforming ECCE, hosted by the Seychelles Institute of Early Development (IECD) / UNESCO Category 2 Institute, aimed to highlight and foster the importance of international collaboration and knowledge-sharing in driving progress towards a more equitable and effective ECCE sector globally.
The Category 2 Institute Framework for Action derived from the Regional Workshop highlighted the transformative power of ECCE in shaping the future of our world. The participating countries reiterated their commitment to prioritise equitable access to high-quality ECCE services, bolster training programmes for ECCE professionals, and drive innovative policy reforms to promote excellence in practice.
The workshop provided a platform for African countries to share innovative strategies, address common challenges, and develop tailored approaches to enhance early childhood education. Seychelles extended an invitation for technical assistance to its fellow regional countries, demonstrating its commitment to supporting the comprehensive development of young children.
The participants agreed to implement a series of follow-up plans and actions, including strengthening national and international commitments to ECCE, ensuring equitable participation and quality access, increasing investment in ECCE, reviewing the curriculum framework, establishing a data management system, promoting cooperation between countries, and receiving support from the IECD C2I.
At the event’s opening, Seychelles’ Education Minister, Dr. Justin Valentin, emphasized the urgent need for progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4.2, noting that international commitments have not been met. He called for closer monitoring and evaluation of member states’ actions and emphasized the importance of exploring avenues for regional and international cooperation.
“Through the sharing of achievements and progress, those needing more immediate support will be identified and provided with technical assistance as per their specific contexts, needs, and challenges,” said Dr. Justin Valentin.
The Institute’s CEO, Mrs. Shirley Choppy, welcomed guests and participants, stressing the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing among countries on the continent.
“We will only make progress if we work together, sharing our strengths and providing technical assistance to build strong bonds of cooperation,” said Mrs. Shirley Choppy.
The UNESCO Regional Office representative, addressing the closing ceremony, provided information on the assistance available to member countries, highlighting the importance of documenting good practices and innovative approaches to providing quality ECCE services.
“I encourage each country to share their practices with us so we can advocate for ECCE, promote peer learning, and hold countries accountable for their commitments,” Mr. Lamine said.
The workshop was attended by representatives from 16 countries, including Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Zambia, Djibouti, Angola, Uganda, Comoros, Burundi, South Africa, Somalia, South Sudan, Rwanda, Zimbabwe and Seychelles. The event marked a significant step forward in improving the quality of early childhood education across the continent.
