UNICEF launches four Integrated Early Childhood Development Hubs/Mphalas in Chipata District, Eastern Province

Mkwabe, Zambia, 26 January 2023 – UNICEF today launched and handed over four Community Based Integrated Early Childhood Development (ECD) Hubs, locally called Mphalas in Chipata District, with Provincial Minister, Honourable Simon Peter Phiri – MP presiding.

The ECD hubs provide multisectoral services from different government line ministries, including Education, Health, and Community Development and Social Services. The hubs are called Mphalas; as they are a space in the community where community members gather and engage in dialogue, share knowledge and commune to ensure the welfare of their community.

UNICEF Zambia, in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ), is scaling up the implementation of this community-based integrated ECD programme. The main purpose of the programme is to develop a sustainable intervention model of delivering integrated ECD at community level. The programme brings together existing basic social services to communities with strong leadership by community members, who ensure and promote sound and timely nurturing care interventions for young children and caregivers within their communities.

“The Mphala-based ECD initiative will provide caregivers and children with the services that will enable children in Chipata develop to their full potential. UNICEF’s partnership with the Government of the Republic of Zambia and local communities will give children the best start in life,” said Hon. Phiri.

The hubs are multi-purpose: teachers, health workers, and community-based volunteers, all work together with community members to ensure that children’s wellbeing is placed at the centre of community development. The programme started in 2017 and represents a sustainable intervention model of delivering multiple services at community level. The first Mphala launched was Kholowa in Katete District in 2019.

“I would like to congratulate the Government of Zambia for investing in ECD and putting the early years on top of its agenda,” stated Benjamin Meyer, UNICEF Zambia Deputy Representative Operations, who added. “UNICEF is honored to support these efforts through the Insaka Programme. As of 2023, we have Mphalas in Chongwe, Katete, Petauke, and Chipata providing services to over 20,000 children through different services, including: early stimulation rooms for children 0-3 years of age and their caregivers, learning through play opportunities in ECE classrooms and playgrounds for children 3-6 years, a health office for growth monitoring, immunization and vitamin A supplementation for children 0-5 years, a multipurpose area for parenting counselling, adult literacy classes and community meetings, a kitchen area and garden for nutrition promotion, and cooking demonstration, to mention a few.”

The newly launched ECD hubs in Katamukwa, Mkwabe, Nyambano, and Nsingo provide cross cutting services coordinated by three-line ministries: Health, Education and Community Development and Social Services, and with the support from UNICEF and, Plan International as the implementing partner.

The programme is guided by UNICEF’s Nurturing Care Framework whose two objectives: firstly, that children up to the age of school entry receiving an integrated package of essential services delivered by multisectoral stakeholders, and secondly, caregivers practicing nurturing care to help children reach their full potential. More broadly, the programme contributes to Zambia’s efforts to reduce stunting and improve health and developmental outcomes for children.