Multi-Sectoral Early Childhood Development in Africa.

Multi-sectoral early childhood development (ECD) is an approach that recognizes the importance of collaboration and coordination across various sectors, such as health, education, nutrition, social services, and more, to support the holistic development of young children. The Multi-sectoral ECD programme targets children 0 to 8 years because this period is characterized by significant physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development. There are several reasons why a multi-sectoral approach to early childhood development is important:

Holistic development: Children's development is multidimensional, encompassing physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and cultural aspects. To ensure that children receive comprehensive support, it's essential to address various sectors simultaneously. A multi-sectoral approach takes into account the interconnected nature of child development.

Early intervention: Early childhood is a critical period for shaping a child's future outcomes. Timely and coordinated interventions across sectors can help identify and address developmental delays or health issues early on, preventing long-term challenges.

Health and nutrition: Proper nutrition, healthcare, and a safe environment are foundational for a child's development. Collaboration between health and nutrition sectors can ensure that children receive adequate nutrition and healthcare to support their physical and cognitive growth.

Education and cognitive development: Early childhood education and cognitive development are vital for preparing children for school and future success. Collaboration between the education sector and other relevant sectors can provide children with high-quality early learning experiences.

Parent and caregiver support: Families play a central role in a child's development. Multi-sectoral approaches can provide parents and caregivers with the knowledge and resources they need to support their child's growth in various domains.

Social and emotional well-being: Emotional and social development are integral to children's well-being. Collaboration between sectors can help identify and address social and emotional challenges, ensuring that children develop strong emotional resilience and social skills.

Equity and inclusion: A multi-sectoral approach can help address disparities in access to ECD services and support, ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, receive equal opportunities for healthy development.

Research-based practices: Collaboration across sectors allows for the integration of research and evidence-based practices to inform policies and programs, leading to more effective ECD interventions.

Advocacy and policy development: Multi-sectoral partnerships can help advocate for ECD policies and investments at local, national, and global levels. These partnerships can drive policy changes and resource allocation for early childhood development.

Long-term benefits: Investments in multi-sectoral early childhood development have long-term societal benefits. Children who receive comprehensive support in their early years are more likely to succeed in school, become productive members of society, and have better physical and mental health outcomes.

Early Childhood Care and Development is now a global agenda, with ECD services recognized as essential to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs provide a crucial opportunity for achieving equity among all children globally. SDG 4.2 is aligned with the broader agenda of promoting inclusive and equitable quality education for all, as outlined in the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It recognizes the significance of investing in the early years to set the stage for lifelong learning and development, thereby contributing to achieving other sustainable development goals related to health, well-being, and reducing inequalities.

Sustainable Development Goal 4.2 (SDG 4.2) is one of the targets under Goal 4 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, which focus on quality education. SDG 4.2 specifically aims to "ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education."

The multi-sectoral ECD approach responds to the implementation of the Nurturing care framework launched 2018. The Nurturing Care Framework is a global framework developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), and other key partners to promote the optimal development of young children, especially during their early years. The framework provides guidance for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to create nurturing environments that support children's health, nutrition, safety, responsive caregiving, and early learning.

Tanzania is among of the African countries development and launched the implementation of the National Multi-Sectoral Early Childhood Development. The National Multi-sectoral Early Childhood Development Programme (NM – ECDP)?spanning 2021/22 to 2025/26 seeks to?accelerate early childhood development?gains by enhancing the multi-sectoral approach to young children’s nurturing care.?This programme supports a coordinated?approach putting into action various laws and policies relevant to ECD including the?Law?of the Child Act (2009), Child Development Policy (2008), Education and Training Policy (2014), and Health Policy (2007),?to address?the holistic developmental needs of children?aged 0 – 8 years. The Programme calls?upon all key government actors across there levant sectors, development partners and?civil society organizations to work together?to ensure all children (aged 0–8 years) in?Tanzania experience nurturing care, thrive?and achieve their developmental potential.

In summary, multi-sectoral early childhood development recognizes that children's growth and development are influenced by a range of interconnected factors. By promoting collaboration and coordination across various sectors, it aims to provide children with the comprehensive support they need to thrive and reach their full potential. This approach ensures that children's well-being is at the forefront of society's priorities and policies.

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Christopher Peter

Working with Tanzania Early Childhood Developments Network.