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Visit
to Manila day care centers:
Gary Valenciano appeals for proper early child care
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| LEARN
AND PLAY.
“The first six
years of childhood are very important for a child’s success
in school and, ultimately, in life,” said Gary Valenciano,
UNICEF National Ambassador in the Philippines, when he visited
pupils at a “Learn and Play” House in Barangay 770,
San Andres, Manila. Research has shown that children who participate
in early childhood programmes are more likely to complete school
and have higher incomes as adults. There are now 54 home-based
day care centers in Manila run by parent-volunteers to provide
play and group activities to children three to five years old.
The project is organized by the city government of Manila, Manila
Social Welfare Department, and Kababaihan ng Maynila Foundation,
with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Aside from engaging in educational but fun activities, children
in “Learn and Play” Houses receive other services
such as birth registration, growth monitoring, feeding, and
immunization. Parent-volunteers and social workers have observed
that children who used to curse and neglect their hygiene have
become respectful and tidy, after just a few months of going
to “Learn and Play” Houses. Parents who participate
in activities have been spending less time in gambling. |
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