Integrated approach to ECD sought

Kathmandu, July 20

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Women, Children, and Social Welfare CP Mainali has stressed the need for an integrated approach to address early child development issues.

Speaking at a national consultation programme organised by the parliamentary caucus on ECD, DPM Mainali said, “The issue of ECD begins from a woman’s pregnancy until the children reach a certain age.

The health and nutrition of pregnant and lactating women, the mental and physical health of the mother and her children, the environment that children live in at home, and the kind of day care centres they go to directly affect children’s physical and mental growth.

There is a need for an integrated approach to deal with issues of early child development.”

Mainali said that although his ministry looks after issues of women and children, it unfortunately did not have any programme on ECD.

State Minister for Federal Affairs and Local Development Kunti Shahi said the government was planning to organise an international conference on ECD. “Our ministry has allocated ten per cent of the budget allocated to every district and ward for ECD, but the money is being spent on seminars and workshops.”

Lawmaker Ramesh Lekhak, a member of ECD Caucus, urged the government to develop a loose network at the South Asian regional level to exchange ideas and experiences on early child development.

Educationist Prof Kishor Thapa said ECD is an investment for life. He warned that should the government fail to invest in ECD, it would be very difficult to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

“Improvements in children’s health, cognitive ability and academic performance are some of the immediate effects of ECD, while in the long run it can lead to higher incomes, lower propensity to be on welfare, and lower rates of crime and arrest,” he said.

Similarly, other speakers stressed the need for mobilising local and national budget to ensure children’s access to ECD centres and quality learning environment.

At present, more than 35,000 ECD centres are in operation in the country.