“ Xiaokang” begins with the under-threes; Beijing hosts UNICEF Regional Training Workshop on Integrated Early Childhood Development, 29 June-2 July.
Experts agree that children who have received quality health and nutrition care and appropriate stimulation before the age of 3 have better cognitive and social skills as well as enhanced capacity for active learning. They also gain an average of eight IQ points by the time they are ready to start school and are more likely to continue with their schooling . For China to achieve the “xiaokang” society, children born today must enjoy good health, nutrition and early learning opportunities.
Six countries are sending delegations to a 4-day UNICEF regional training workshop in Beijing , designed to address these crucial issues. Early childhood development that is before 3 years, recognizes that choices made and actions taken by parents and society in the earliest years of childhood, have a powerful and long-lasting influence not just on individual children but on the wider progress of nations.
Gender sensitive socialization of both girls and boys early in life towards values of equality, mutual respect and non-violence provides an excellent example of how early experiences can influence later action. By the time a child reaches school age, most key brain wiring, language abilities, physical capabilities and cognitive foundations have been set in place. If attention is paid only at school age to children’s learning needs, it is already too late. The goal of 9-years compulsory education is thus critically linked to the quality care and appropriate stimulation of children below 3 years.
In China, the survival, growth and development of young children will depend on three 3 main factors: the quality of family care; effective access by families to good quality basic services; an adequate livelihood; and a policy environment that supports these elements.. In recognition of these factors, the Government of China developed a new national policy on early childhood development in 2003, with active support from UNICEF. The policy underscores the need for coordinated efforts between the health and education sectors to provide services for children especially below 3 years in a holistic and coordinated manner. A second policy on comprehensive child nutrition is currently under development. Commitment and mobilization of appropriate resources through government and private sectors will make a difference on the quality of life of the young child and his/her long term well being.
Integrated early childhood development also raises rights issues. Article 18 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which China has ratified, affirms that ““state parties shall use their best efforts to ensure recognition of the principle that both parents have common responsibilities for the upbringing and development of the child … shall render appropriate assistance to parents and legal guardians in the performance of their child -rearing responsibilities and shall ensure the development of institutions, facilities and services for the care of children”..
The unique feature of this UNICEF regional training workshop is that it brings together participants from different sectors such as health, education, early childhood development, civil works etc from 6 countries in the region representing governments and UNICEF officers, for training on the integrated approach. The trainers team is led by a well-known international expert - Prof Judith Evans --who will conduct the intensive training on the basis of a comprehensive resource package developed by UNICEF for care and development of children below 3 years..
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
Mr. Charles Rycroft (English), Tel: (86-10) 65323131 ext 1301
Ms. Liu Li (Chinese & English), Tel: (86-10) 65323131 ext 1303
Fax: (86-10) 65323107
