Mzimba chiefs blamed over lack of interest in ECD

Some local chiefs in Mzimba have been blamed for lacking interest to promote early childhood development (ECD) in community-based child care centres (CBCCs) in the district.

Mzimba district social welfare officer Grace Mvula said this during training sessions on ECD organised by World Vision.

Said Mvula: “Chiefs seem not to be developmental conscious when it comes to issues of early childhood development in their communities and such conduct is frustrating the people to send their children to care centres. As a result, children will not grow into productive citizens

“I would like to ask chiefs to take an active role to promote issues of ECD in their communities and make sure that parents are sending their children to community-based child care centres.”

Development facilitator at Khuyu Area Development Programme, Precious Nkoka, said through the literacy boost programme World Vision is working with CBCCs in promoting early childhood development for children in the area.

Group village headman (GVH) Mpenda Mazuwa said he will mobilise fellow traditional leaders to brief them on the importance of taking part in ECD in their areas. n