A New Dawn for Guyana’s Youngest Citizens
Historic NIECD Policy and Guidelines Unveiled
Georgetown, Guyana, 29 July 2025 – In a major step toward ensuring every child has the best start in life, the Government of Guyana on July 28 officially launched the country’s first-ever National Integrated Early Childhood Development (NIECD) Policy and Guidelines.
The historic event, held at the Herdmanston Lodge Conference Room, was spearheaded by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security through its Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), with critical support from UNICEF and the Government of Canada.
The NIECD Policy sets out a unified, strategic national framework to support the health, development, protection, and early learning of children from birth to age three, marking a bold and inclusive shift in Guyana’s approach to early childhood development (ECD).
Delivering remarks at the launch, Mr. Abdul Saleh, UNICEF Representative a.i. for Guyana and Suriname, celebrated the policy as a long-awaited and visionary achievement.
“This is not just a policy document, it is a transformative step in the journey of building a child-friendly, inclusive, and equity-focused society,” Saleh said.
“It lays the foundation for every child in Guyana, regardless of background or geography, to grow, to thrive, and to reach their full potential,” he stated.
Saleh reaffirmed UNICEF’s global and local commitment to ECD, particularly in the vital first 1,000 days of a child’s life, when brain development, health, and emotional well-being are most profoundly shaped. He emphasized the importance of Guyana’s multi-sectoral approach, which brings together health, education, nutrition, child protection, and social services to support families holistically.
“Our shared goal is a Guyana where every child grows up safe, healthy, loved, and ready to learn. The true measure of this policy will be how it touches the lives of families, how it improves access, outcomes, and futures,” Saleh added.
Meanwhile, Hon. Dr. Vindhya Persaud, Minister of Human Services and Social Security praised the policy as the outcome of months of intensive collaboration and consultation across sectors.
“This policy places children at its centre,” the Minister said. “It allows us to assess developmental milestones, identify when children require extra support, and ensure that care and intervention involve not just parents, but trained professionals who can help children enjoy a better quality of life.”
The policy is built upon core guiding principles including Development begins at or before birth, Children learn best through play, Respecting diversity and individuality, Supporting parents as primary caregivers and Leaving no child behind.
Already, the CPA has trained a cadre of Early Childhood Development Practitioners, disbursed grants to transform day-care centres into centres of excellence and registered over 400 early childhood facilities of which 365 are now officially licensed.
Mr. Adam Loyer, Head of Cooperation at the High Commission of Canada during remarks at the event, reaffirmed Canada’s dedication to advancing children’s rights and supporting safe, nurturing environments for families.
“Canada is proud to have supported the NIECD Policy under our $3 million partnership with UNICEF. We believe that investing in children, especially in their earliest years is investing in the future,” Loyer stated.
Since 2021, Canada has worked through its project, “Promoting Safe and Healthy Learning and Living Environments for Children,” to promote positive parenting, early learning, and access to safe, inclusive spaces, especially in remote and vulnerable communities.
Loyer emphasized that the NIECD Policy offers a clear framework to ensure that every child, regardless of circumstance, receives responsive caregiving, stimulation, nutrition, and protection from violence.
The NIECD Policy aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, underscoring Guyana’s commitment to global standards for child development, gender equality, and social inclusion.
As implementation begins, UNICEF, Canada, and other key stakeholders will remain actively engaged in capacity building and workforce training; community-level engagement and advocacy and supporting families to access the services they need most.
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UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org.
