The Institute of Early Childhood Development (IECD) officially gains statute as Category 2 Centre under the Auspices of UNESCO
The Government of Seychelles has taken a significant step towards advancing early childhood development with the enactment of the new Early Childhood Development Act 2022. As a result, the Institute of Early Childhood Development (IECD) is now officially recognized as a Category 2 Centre for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) under the auspices of UNESCO. The agreement, which was signed in 2021, came into effect on June 1, 2023.
This momentous development underscores both IECD and UNESCO’s commitment to fostering international cooperation in the holistic development of children and strengthening ECCE in line with the Sustainable Development Goals for education (SDG 4) and ECCE (SDG 4.2).
The recognition will allow IECD to serve as a pivotal hub for research, quality assurance, advocacy, knowledge exchange and collaboration in the field of early childhood development. As a Category 2 Centre, it will have access to specialized technical support from UNESCO and its affiliated partners, enabling it to make further contributions towards ensuring the quality provision of ECCE.
“We are delighted to announce the formal recognition of the Institute of Early Childhood Development as a Category 2 Centre for ECCE under UNESCO’s auspices,” said Mrs Shirley Choppy, Chief Executive Officer of the IECD. “This distinction highlights our dedication to promoting the optimal growth and development of young children, as well as our steadfast commitment to aligning with the sustainable development goals on education and ECCE. We look forward to working closely with UNESCO, member states, and other local and international partners, to drive positive change and enhance early childhood care and education globally.”
Under the leadership of UNESCO, the Institute will collaborate with key stakeholders, including government agencies, educators, researchers, and civil society organizations, to advance knowledge, policies, and practices in early childhood development. The IECD’s inclusion in the Category 2 Centre network will foster international cooperation and facilitate the exchange of best practices to ensure quality ECCE services globally.
The transformation to a Category 2 Centre under the auspices of UNESCO, underscores IECD’s remarkable achievements made towards the ECCE agenda in the country and beyond. As an extension arm of UNESCO, the institution aims at accelerating the progress towards achieving sustainable development goals and ultimately create a brighter future for children worldwide. Being the first organisation in the country to achieve such stature, IECD will require commitment and support from the government to fulfil its autonomous mandate and international obligations.
This great milestone would not have been possible without the unflinching support of the President of the Republic, the Cabinet of Ministers, the National Assembly, the IECD’s Founding Members, and the commitment put forth by IECD’s Board Members, Management and Staff, and the ECCE partners and stakeholders across the different sectors.
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