Malawi’s early learning centres are struggling for basic materials, forcing government to seek help from other organizations.
Deputy Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Martha Mzomera Ngwira said government cannot support Early Childhood Development (ECD) education alone.
She said many centres still lack teaching, learning and play materials needed by children.
Ngwira made the remarks at Jali in the area of Senior Chief Mwambo in Zomba during the launch of ECD Week.
The week was launched under the theme, “Championing Children: Investing Today, Securing Tomorrow.”
Ngwira said she was pleased that more children are now attending ECD centres than in the past.
“Let’s work together in promoting ECD education because the government alone cannot manage,” she said.
But the call for partnerships comes as concerns grow over funding for the sector.
National ECD Taskforce Chairperson for Advocacy and Finance Reverend Nase Chunga has challenged government to increase funding for ECD activities.
Chunga also wants five percent of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) resources to be allocated to ECD activities.
According to Chunga, Malawi has more than 66,000 ECD caregivers.
However, only about 2,006 caregivers receive a monthly allowance of K20,000.
Chunga said the allowance is inadequate considering the work caregivers do.
Meanwhile, Zomba District Commissioner Frederick Musandide Missinjo said ECD activities in the district are progressing despite several challenges.
He said some centres lack adequate learning spaces, water and sanitation facilities, as well as learning and play materials.
Missinjo said Zomba has more than 624 ECD caregivers, but only 56 receive the K20,000 monthly allowance.
He said the allowance is too low and has remained unchanged for a long time.
