Programmes 2006–2010: Early Childhood Care and Learning
The Health of Young Children
Vaccination against the major childhood diseases within the first twelve months is essential to ensure the well being of every child.
Photograph by Rana Mullan © UNICEF Turkey 2006
Goal
The Health of Young Children focuses on improving the health of young children within the framework of Turkey’s new health reforms.
Results achieved so far
- Eighty–five percent of under–five–year–olds are routinely immunised against the major childhood diseases.
- Fifty–five out of Turkey’s eighty–one provinces have been certified Baby Friendly under the Baby–friendly Hospitals Initiative (BFHI).
- Eighty–seven per cent of hospital deliveries are attended by skilled personnel in Baby Friendly Hospitals.
- One hundred and twenty–two Mothers Support Groups have been established in 22 provinces to encourage exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months, thereby promoting the improved cognitive development of young children.
Project Partners
The Ministry of Health (MOH), non–governmental organisations (NGOs), The World Health Organization (WHO), EU, the private sector and media.
Young Child Development and Effective Parenting
Eighty percent of brain development is complete by the age of six, which is why pre–school educated children consistently perform well at all higher levels of education. Photograph by Rana Mullan © UNICEF Turkey 2006
Goal
Young Child Development and Effective Parenting focuses on the development of young children through the provision of preschool education and the promotion of effective parenting. The project aims to have a pre–school completion rate of 30% for children in urban areas by 2010.
Results achieved so far
- My Family, a gender sensitive and user–friendly parenting education and training programme aiming to increase the knowledge, skills and attitudes of parents with children under six years of age has been established nationwide.
- Government reports show that over 100,000 parents and care givers, including many from socially excluded groups, have completed the programme.
- Twenty–five per cent of children between 5 and 6 years of age are now attending pre–school classes — a marked increase from the baseline of 15.6 per cent in 2003.
- Learning achievement of pre–school children is expected to increase following revision of the Pre–school Education Curriculum.
- The Ministry of National Education (MONE) has drafted a sector policy on Early Childhood Education.
- The Government has launched a nationwide Early Childhood Development Communication Behaviour and Social Change strategy.
Project Partners
MONE, MOH, the Ministry of Interior (MOI), the Social Services and Child Protection Agency (SHÇEK), councils, NGOs, local media, universities and the private sector.
Previous page
|
Next page