Marythar Kambinda
KATIMA MULILO – The Ministry of Gender, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, with assistance from the European Union, inaugurated two early childhood development centres in the Zambezi region last week.
The ECD centres inaugurated are part of the seven centres in the region, funded by the EU through the 11th European Development Fund towards the education sector with other centres upgraded.
Lizauli ECD centre at Kaziba village in Judea Lyaboloma constituency was constructed at an amount of N$1.9 million, Lusese ECD centre in Kabbe South constituency was constructed for N$1 million, while the Sibbinda ECD centre was inaugurated earlier and constructed at an amount of N$1.1 million.
Speaking at the occasion, minister of gender Doreen Sioka said the ministry received the support of more than N$70 million, and the Zambezi region was allocated N$4 million for the construction and upgrading of seven ECD centres.
As a ministry responsible for early childhood development programmes, our efforts are aimed at delivering improved ECD programmes and services, amongst others, said Sioka.
She further added that in consultation with key stakeholders, the ministry developed the Namibian standards for early childhood development centres to standardise the provision of quality ECD centres.
Our parliament passed the Child Care Protection Act, No. 3 of 2015 to set out principles relating to the best interest of the children.
In compliance with this new act, the ministry will in the near future require that all Educarers across the country obtain a police clearance certificate, she said.
The aim of this is to prevent people who have been convicted of serious offences from working with children at any institution, providing welfare services including ECD centres, stated Sioka.
The ministry, with the support of the EU, has procured some Covid-19 PPEs to support some ECD centres so that they continue operating amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
ECD provides a critical window of opportunity for the holistic development of a child, said the minister.
“The ministry, community leaders and individuals will continue to support the centres in terms of training and capacity strengthening so that you work with children effectively,” stated Sioka.
She said: these ECD centres operated under a tree – and due to the commitment by the caregivers, who never gave up on their dreams, we are standing here today under newly constructed buildings – and for that, we are indeed grateful to them.
Speaking on his sister’s behalf, Sylvester Makata thanked the community for their support towards his sister’s dreams.
“I am very happy for my elder sister, and I would like to ask the community members to support her by bringing their children to the centre.”
Let us not be filled with envy towards her but show her support, as she has uplifted the community through her initiative.
Judea Lyaboloma constituency councillor Divai Humphrey called on the residents to support the new development by ensuring their children are enrolled at the centre, as it is the foundation of their academic learning.
He further thanked the EU through the ministry for supporting initiatives that are aimed at ensuring children receive a good standard of education at an early level and also learn in a safe environment.