Relaunched early childhood programme feeds over 110 000 children

The gender ministry has revealed that more than 110 000 young children have received food support through the revived Right Start Programme, a national early childhood development (ECD) initiative relaunched on 7 August 2025.According to official figures, the programme has distributed essential food supplies to 3 866 ECD centres across all 14 regions, reaching 110 726 children since the relaunch. The effort forms part of a broader push to improve nutrition, early learning, and child welfare outcomes nationwide.“By prioritising social behaviour change, we deliver lasting, positive outcomes that will shape the destiny of every Namibian child,” said the minister of gender equality and child welfare, Emma Kantema-Gaomas, during a parliamentary address. “We are building not just beginnings, but rightful and equitable starts in life.”The initiative is led by the ministry of gender, working jointly with the ministry of education and the health ministry. Training sessions led by the World Food Programme (WFP) have focused on food safety, hygiene, and nutrition monitoring, with trainers now working to pass these skills on to teachers and volunteer cooks in communities.Partner effortsOfficials say the programme targets five key areas outlined in the Nurturing Care Framework: good health, adequate nutrition, responsive caregiving, early learning, and safety.Minister of gender equality and child welfare Emma Kantema-Gaomas told parliament that investing in early childhood development is central to the government’s long-term social and economic goals. “By prioritising early childhood, we are investing in the foundation of Namibia’s future workforce,” she said.A new memorandum of understanding is being developed to coordinate government and partner efforts under the programme. The relaunch aligns with Namibia’s National Development Plan 6 (NDP6), which identifies early childhood development as a key sector priority.While officials highlighted the number of children reached, they also acknowledged that sustaining food distribution and training across all regions will require continued funding and community support.“This programme surrounds every Namibian child with individuals who understand the power of the early years and who possess the tools to give them the best start in life,” the minister said. Concluding her address, she called on lawmakers and communities to champion ECD across Namibia. “As stewards of this house, let us lead the charge in early childhood development,” she urged. “It takes all of us to raise a Namibian child.”

Relaunched early childhood programme feeds over 110 000 children

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-21

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Relaunched early childhood programme feeds over 110 000 children

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-21

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