Gov’t Allocates $88 Million for Early Childhood Development Project

The Government has allocated just over $88 million for the continuation of the Early Childhood Development Project, which is geared at making timely educational interventions for children.

This is contained in the 2016/2017 Estimates of Expenditure, currently before the House of Representatives.

Implemented in June 2008, the project aims to promote the development of children, through screening of households to detect risks affecting the progress of children, and where necessary, make early interventions.

Other objectives are to enhance the quality early childhood development, schools and care facilities, and strengthen early childhood organisations and institutions.

Work to be carried out this fiscal year includes: parenting education, support for early childhood development, preventive health care for 0-6 year-olds, a diagnosis and early intervention for at-risk children and households.

There will also be effective public education to drive and foster increased support and involvement in early childhood initiatives, as well as development of a sector resource and mobilisation strategy.

The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) funded project is set to be completed in September 2018.