ECD project graduates 36

ActionAid Malawi Early Childhood Development (ECD) project is said to be progressing well in Dete Village, Traditional Authority Chilooko in Ntchisi where it has graduated 36 children to primary school.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony at Dete Primary School on Friday, Ntchisi ECD project officer Jimmy Chimalizeni confirmed that the project is progressing well in the area compared to other areas where community-based care centres (CBCCs) are being implemented.

He said ActionAid involves communities and conducts awareness meetings on the advantage of CBCCs.

“We are happy with the progress of the project here at Dete. Apart from having graduated 36 children to primary school, we have also 141 children aged between three to five who are also at the CBCC.

“We make sure that we conduct community sensitisation meetings and train caregivers and other committees at the CBCC so that they can orient others on the importance of CBCC,” said Chimalizeni.

Ntchisi district social welfare officer Dennis Sikwese described the development as encouraging, saying his office appreciates the outcome as it shows that parents know the importance of sending children to CBCCs.

“When children attend CBCCs, they learn a lot of things which helps them gain knowledge and they do not have problems when they enroll in primary schools,” he said.

Dete CBCC chairperson Charles Manda said they always ensure that children receive good care and food when they attend classes. n