Government targets 2027 for full ECD integration

Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare Emma Kantema has reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening early childhood development (ECD) during her recent visit to Rundu. The visit included inspections of the Kayowo Wood Project, Divamehozoge Model ECD, and Joy Model ECD Centre.The tour formed part of the minister’s familiarisation efforts to assess progress and identify service delivery gaps. At the Joy ECD Centre, a government facility supported by the EU and the regional council, Kantema highlighted the critical role of ECD in shaping Namibia’s human capital.“ECD centres are where we stimulate brain function and prepare children for Grade 1. These are very important activities for us as a ministry,” she said.The minister praised the ministry’s 12-week educator training programme and curriculum development aimed at ensuring consistent standards. She also flagged challenges such as child nutrition and access to educational tools, stressing that quality and equality in ECD are vital to closing developmental gaps early on.“Nutrition is crucial to brain development and concentration. We must address this to ensure holistic child welfare,” she noted.Kantema reaffirmed government’s plan to integrate ECD into the national education system by 2027, in line with the Swapo Party manifesto, through collaboration with the ministry of education and development partners.“This is a commitment we intend to deliver,” she concluded.

Government targets 2027 for full ECD integration

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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Government targets 2027 for full ECD integration

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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