695 learners from Early Childhood Development (ECD) schools under the Youth for Development and Productivity (YODEP) Organisation in Traditional Authority M’biza in Zomba District are expected to begin Standard 1 in September. Out of these learners, 447 are girls and 249 are boys.
A graduation ceremony for the ECD learners under YODEP was held at Thangala Primary School in the area of T/A M’biza, Zomba District.
Speaking during the event, Daniel Kachere, the Project Coordinator for ECD schools under YODEP in T/A M’biza, said ECD schools are very important as they help children transition smoothly into primary education.
Kachere stated that research shows children who start their education at ECD centres tend to perform better academically in the early years of primary school and are more likely to reach various Universities compared to those who begin their education directly in primary school.
He called on traditional leaders, religious leaders and child protection advocates to encourage parents to send their children to ECD schools to secure a brighter future for them.
Additionally, Kachere appealed to community members to take part in building ECD learning structures and quality toilets to ensure children learn in safe and conducive environments.
He also urged organisations to consider donating porridge flour to ECD schools to ensure learners are not hungry while learning.
“I encourage fathers to take a leading role in supporting their children’s early childhood education,” he said.
In her remarks, Sub-Traditional Authority Idana said ECD schools are greatly benefiting children in the area as they can read and write before starting primary school and tend to perform well when they begin Standard 1.
He thanked YODEP for promoting early childhood education and appealed to donor organisations to continue supporting the organisation financially so it can reach and educate more children in the area.
