Delivering Comprehensive and Integrated Services for Early Childhood Development

19 February 2018, Windhoek - In an effort to forge greater commitment in the implementation of an integrated system for Early Childhood in Namibia over 150 government officials, NGO representatives, parents and ECD Expects are gathering for a three day meeting in Windhoek, Namibia today. Hosted by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare in partnership with the Ministry of Education Sport and Culture and UNICEF, the conference aims to build consensus on inclusive early childhood development through the implementation of policies and programmes. The meeting will stress the crucial role parents can play in contributing to the holistic approach to Early Childhood Development; and the role of the Private sector in building inclusive partnerships. 

In a county where only 13% of children aged 0-4 attend an ECD programme, many children are still left behind, resulting in a low access to pre-primary education which is reported to be at 5%. This situation is attributed to maternal health and nutrition, inadequate child feeding practices and infection in the first 1, 000 days of the child’s life – among other factors.

However, Namibia has adopted policies and strategies to address highlighted access to Integrated Early Childhood Development (IECD) and pre-primary education as a national priority. The 5th National Development Plan (NDP5) 2017-2021, National Integrated Early Childhood Development Policy of 2007 (National IECD Policy) and strategic plans of both the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare and the Ministry of Education Sport and Culture, spell out IECD as a focus.

“We have evidence that shows that the first 1000 days of a child’s life is critical – from conception up to the second birthday” said UNICEF Representative in Namibia, Rachel Odede. “We thus all agree that integrated interventions for children aged 0-8 years are essential and highly effective, in enabling our children to develop and reach their full potential.”

The National IECD Policy defines ECD as a set of integrated interventions aimed at holistic care, development and protection of the child, with the environment playing an important role in shaping a child’s future life.

Further to the strategies and policies in place, The Namibian Child Care and Protection Act, (Act No 3 of 2015) stresses the importance of providing integrated quality IECD services in terms of child stimulation and early learning, health and nutrition, child protection and welfare.  However, despite the joint policy efforts between the different Ministries, service delivery remains fragmented and uncoordinated. 

“The Namibian Government has shown its commitment and played a decisive role in garnering the necessary political support within the country by prioritising Early Childhood Development through policies and laws.” said the Prime Minister of Republic of Namibia, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila. “This meeting, therefore provides a valuable opportunity to share, learn from each other’s experiences and build consensus on how we will best coordinate our efforts to reach all children, especially the most vulnerable members of our society.”

Participants at the conference will be able to share lessons learned, hear the latest evidence from ECD Expects and gain a deeper understanding of the basic tools at their disposal (as Stakeholders) to respond to the needs of the most hard to reach children and their families.

“We comment the Government of Namibia, for the vigorous IECD policies and strategies already in place. Although we strongly believe that access to early childhood is important for promoting equal opportunities for children, our focus should also be on the quality of care and learning that takes place in ECD programmes.” Said the EU Ambassador to Namibia, Jana Hybaskova. “It is therefore important to build solid partnerships among all stakeholders, as this improves the outreach to children in a vulnerable situation and ensures that our services are of high quality.”

To guide the implementation of an integrated system at all levels, the conference will also launch an Integrated Early Childhood Development Strategic Framework (IECDF). This framework provides guidance and a recommended action plan to the Government of the Republic of Namibia and national partners involved in the provision of IECD services to help them implement a comprehensive integrated multi-sectoral response to early childhood development.

“We know from our experiences here in Namibia that for IECD programmes to work, they need to be owned and led not only by the Government but by parents, communities and the Private Sector as well.  They need to be seen as necessary investment by all, so as to enable our country to reap the huge economic returns later. It is through a multi-sectoral representation and dialogue such as this conference that we can build alliances and reach the much needed consensus, as we work towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.” said the RH Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila.