ECD centres perform a range of functions in the community. Children can receive nutritious food to ensure that they grow up healthy. Mothers and other caregivers can learn parenting skills that stimulate cognitive and physical development in their children, as well as nutrition and basic health care. Children also gain a good foundation to develop the literacy and numeracy skills they will need to succeed in school.
ChildFund’s early childhood development centres also provide a space for community leaders to discuss children’s rights and other important topics. This has helped some communities develop better strategies with regard to local governance, the allocation of resources and the promotion of health and wellness.
Last year, we trained 57 early childhood development coordinators to promote young children’s learning through play; an initiative that was bolstered by a separate project that provided toys and educational materials to eight ECD centres to promote awareness activities. We also provided vital supplies such as notebooks and stationery to more than 1,000 Guinean school children.
