Second ECD meet from April 28

Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, April 12:

With the objective of enhancing the quality of delivery of early childhood development services by bringing together people working in the field of early childhood development, the Research Centre for Educational Innovation and Development (CERID) along with various partner agencies is organising the second national conference on Early Childhood Development from April 28 to 29. Professor Dr Hridaya Ratna Bajracharya, director, CERID, said there was a need to generate awareness on the importance of Early Childhood Development (ECD) for the holistic development of a child. “Though the ECD programme was launched eight years ago, most of the schools even in the valley don’t run ECD classes,” he said, adding that the national conference will disseminate the importance of ECD to schools and parents.

The conference will include exhibitions and video shows, expert seminars and group discussions, children programme, and interactive workshops. Early Childhood professionals such as childhood trainers, facilitators, consultants, NGO leaders, researchers, teachers, parents, and students will take part in the conference. Dr Kishor Shrestha, assistant professor at the CERID, said that four sub-committees have been formed along with the main organising committee to organise the seminar. “The national conference will advocate the need of early childhood development, raise queries and discuss issues related to the development of children at an early age and identify solutions,” said Dr Shrestha. “The conference will help share ideas and experiences of various organisations and individuals with respect to early childhood development,” he said, adding that ECD-related materials and programme strategies developed by various organisations will be exhibited. The conference aims to inform around 1,000 students on the importance of early childhood development programmes. With the support of the UNICEF, the CERID launched the ECD programme eight years ago.