BCA’s contribution in shaping the future of the nationJAKARTA, 2 October 2012 - Since 2004, Bank Central Asia (BCA) has been a high-value strategic partner for UNICEF Indonesia in striving for children's rights. Similarly to previous years, as proof of its commitment and dedication in shaping the future of a better Indonesia, this year BCA has committed to support the funding of UNICEF Indonesia’s integrated Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme. Global research indicates that a lack of comprehensive early childhood services have layered consequences, such as lower capacity for children to finish school, higher rate of repeating a school year and primary school drop outs, increased tendency to commit crime in adulthood, as well as lower future income. Of the 32 million Indonesian children aged 0-6 years, more than a third (around 20 million children) does not receive any early stimulation services. Half of those with access to the services live in urban areas – a true testament of the existing disparity between the urban and rural populations. The coverage of ECD programmes are as follows:
Public awareness of the importance of comprehensive and integrated early childhood services are still relatively low, partly due to the government’s strong focus on the compulsory 9-year basic education. Therefore, it is necessary to cooperate with the private sector in order to develop quality human resources in Indonesia, which starts from the earliest age group possible. Let us unite for the future of Indonesian children and this nation!
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