Investment in Early Childhood Development, ECD, is crucial as it forms the basis of a strong society and economy.
These were part of discussions held at a policy makers workshop by the Aga Khan University’s Institute for Human Development (IHD). County directors of health and education from across Kenya came together to better understand the science of ECD and the importance of investing in young children and families.
“ECD is a critical investment because it has a multiplier effect. When you invest in the early years, that is from conception to 8 years, you build a very strong foundation for the next generation who are going to be productive assets for their countries. The strong foundation also helps countries save in the long run as they don’t have to incur extra health-related expenses for their children or expenses due to repetition in school,” said Najma Rashid, technical advisor on global early childhood development.
Lamu County Director of Medical Services Dr Abubakar Baasba said, “Focus towards proper child development should be channelled during the early stages of the child’s growth as this is the critical period for brain development in children.”
The health and education county directors form the Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC) consortium in Kenya. IHD convened the workshop to strengthen the collaboration between the Institute, FCDC and the Sustainable Development Goals Partnership Platform (SDG PP).
Dr Anil Khamis, IHD faculty said “The Institute has a goal to ensure sustainability of the gains made in promoting Early Childhood Development. This workshop will help us co-create and co-develop knowledge with the communities, which ultimately builds sustainability.”
Speaking on the importance of partnership to promote ECD, Mr Arif Neky, Senior Advisor, SDG PP said that partnerships were very critical due to their ability to gain insights on how things work in the grassroots level. “These insights will help us ensure full integration of all thematic areas around ECD initiatives.”
The workshop is one of the courses under IHD’s ECD workforce hub which intends to advance the well-being of children and families.
Investment in Early Childhood Development, ECD, is crucial as it forms the basis of a strong society and economy.
These were part of discussions held at a policy makers workshop by the Aga Khan University’s Institute for Human Development (IHD). County directors of health and education from across Kenya came together to better understand the science of ECD and the importance of investing in young children and families.
“ECD is a critical investment because it has a multiplier effect. When you invest in the early years, that is from conception to 8 years, you build a very strong foundation for the next generation who are going to be productive assets for their countries. The strong foundation also helps countries save in the long run as they don’t have to incur extra health-related expenses for their children or expenses due to repetition in school,” said Najma Rashid, technical advisor on global early childhood development.
Lamu County Director of Medical Services Dr Abubakar Baasba said, “Focus towards proper child development should be channelled during the early stages of the child’s growth as this is the critical period for brain development in children.”
The health and education county directors form the Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC) consortium in Kenya. IHD convened the workshop to strengthen the collaboration between the Institute, FCDC and the Sustainable Development Goals Partnership Platform (SDG PP).
Dr Anil Khamis, IHD faculty said “The Institute has a goal to ensure sustainability of the gains made in promoting Early Childhood Development. This workshop will help us co-create and co-develop knowledge with the communities, which ultimately builds sustainability.”
Speaking on the importance of partnership to promote ECD, Mr Arif Neky, Senior Advisor, SDG PP said that partnerships were very critical due to their ability to gain insights on how things work in the grassroots level. “These insights will help us ensure full integration of all thematic areas around ECD initiatives.”
The workshop is one of the courses under IHD’s ECD workforce hub which intends to advance the well-being of children and families.