Progress Through Play
Early Childhood Development in Guyana's Hinterlands
In the remote villages of Guyana, surrounded by its rich forests and the terrain of Region One- Barima- Waini, the transformative power of Early Childhood Development (ECD) is coming to life, thanks to a UNICEF-supported project funded by the Canadian Government with support from dedicated parents and tireless community health workers. Among them, one of its beneficiaries is Anthony Romascindo—a devoted father who has embraced ECD practices to shape a promising future for his young daughter and niece. He also works as a Community Health Worker (CHW) by profession at the White Water Health Centre in Region One.
Anthony's journey began when he attended ECD sessions organized by the Health Centre under the project. “I didn’t know before I became a parent,” Anthony admits, about the importance of the critical early years of his daughter’s life. Guided by tools and strategies shared during these sessions, he now spends time reading to his daughter and niece, fostering their learning through storytelling, games, and exploration. “These activities are very beneficial to help [them] learn more things, even though [they] may not speak properly- we still understand.”
This dedication reflects a broader impact visible across Region One, as more parents are incorporating ECD techniques into their home life. The initiative is part of a larger project titled Promoting Safe and Healthy Learning and Living Environments to Migrant and Host Communities in Guyana's Hinterland and Selected Coastal Areas. Launched in 2021, the initiative focuses on providing children under the age of four and their parents access to quality ECD services. The aim is to reach an estimated 40,000 children under 4 years and 20,000 parents across eight regions, with ECD learning resources, training and coaching for parents especially in remote hinterland communities like Anthony’s.
Inspired by the ECD project, more parents in Region One are adopting ECD practices at home to prepare their children for school. The ripple effect is evident in schools as outlined by Ms. June Wilberg, Headteacher at the Mabaruma’s Wauna Nursery School. She notes a remarkable difference when it comes to children from homes where ECD techniques are practiced, who arrive at school ready to learn, and are more likely to succeed academically.
The Headteacher shared that the children are more confident, curious, and better prepared for the transition from home to the classroom, as early and proper interaction and stimulation are key. ECD initiatives therefore play a key role in ensuring children succeed academically, creating a positive ripple effect across the community.
Meanwhile, Medex, Vybert Vazrov, stationed at White Water Health Centre, pointed out the significance of the ECD Program for the community. He emphasizes how the program teaches parents to monitor their children’s development, particularly from birth to age 5, ensuring they meet critical milestones. Vazrov mentions, "There are particular milestones that a child would have to meet between 0 to 5 that might need some special intervention."
The ECD program uses developmental screening checklists and encourages play as a means to observe and guide children's growth. Vazrov explains, "We use our ECD cards for them to play and see how they interact and so forth." He also notes the importance of parental involvement in fostering development skills at home, "the parent is involved in some sort of ECD or developmental skills because they will not only be observing but will also be guiding the child."
Despite challenges such as language barriers and the ‘nomadic’ lifestyle of families living in Guyana’s hinterland, whose economic existence is centered on the forests and local mining operations, Vazrov acknowledges that engagement with families has seen support, making the benefits of the ECD program a positive outcome. He recounted that "playing was seen as something that a child is doing for fun. But it is more than fun. They're learning, they're practicing certain skills."
Ultimately, Vazrov emphasizes that collaboration between healthcare systems and families is essential to ensuring the success of the ECD program, which is crucial for early intervention and overall development. He asserts, "So overall, it is a very collaborative program, a very helpful forum for the community."
Community Health Workers (CHWs), such as Shavena Chu, at the Wauna Health Post, are the backbone of this progress. Shavena ensures that every parent is educated during their visits to the health centre each time using ECD techniques. "We can learn about the year and milestones of each child through play," she smiles. "I think it's very beneficial to us, and the community."
Despite the challenges posed by limited infrastructure in migrant settlements like Farm Corps and Black Water, CHWs remain unwavering in their commitment. They conduct monthly visits to these settlements, bringing ECD sessions directly to families who might otherwise be left out. The dedication of these workers reflects the project’s goal of ensuring equitable access to ECD programs for even the most marginalized communities.
This initiative operates within the larger framework of UNICEF’s humanitarian efforts in Guyana, addressing challenges that birthed the project such as migration, climate change, and the impacts of COVID-19. It not only fosters early childhood development but also strengthens resilience within vulnerable communities. The project aligns with Guyana’s national priorities, contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and creating safe, secure environments and quality learning experiences for children.
As Anthony reflects on his own experience, he’s quick to credit his colleagues and the ECD program for the positive changes in his home. “When Children meet the three- and four-year-old stages, they will recall what they were told when they were small and then put it into practice.”
Anthony’s story is a testament to the power of collective effort. In Region One, parents, health workers, and educators are joining forces to unlock the potential of Guyana’s youngest generation, one child at a time.
