‘Construct permanent early childhood centres’

Ukhondo Service Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), says lack of permanent early childhood development (ECD) centres in Karonga is affecting early childhood education.

The NGO’s executive director Edgar Phiri raised the concern on Monday during a stakeholders meeting on nutrition organised by Save the Children.

He said out of 375 centres with 22 073 children, 121 centres have permanent shelters.

Phiri said: “Let me ask NGOs and government to come up with permanent structures. ECDs are also there to provide nutritious meals to children, but that does not happen because of lack of permanent structures.”

Karonga district social welfare officer Atupele Mwalweni said government is doing its part, but communities should also take part in coming up with permanent ECD centres in their areas.

“Traditional leaders and their subjects also have a role to play in constructing permanent structures,” she said.

Mwalweni said government wants to see children in ECD centres growing holistically and this can be achieved if the children learning are in good environment.