Inside Early Childhood Developemnt
Early Childhood Development is another important area to invest as youths. This is because productive youths come from those who have had a proper development at early stage. This is why there is a huge difference between those who grew up in typical villages and those who grew up in towns. Consequently, we joined government and stakeholders in ECD in promoting inclusive child development opportunities. These opportunities include those learning opportunities provided at Community-Based Childcare Centers (CBCCs) and primary schools.
Meanwhile, Mtuli Foundation is a partner to SICDE Project that is implemented by Robert Mhango and MACOHA under US Embassy funding. SICDE is “Support for and Integration of Children with Disabilities in Education”, and targets 219 children with disabilities in Karonga, and aims to promote the integration of children with disabilities in schools, and strengthen processes of personalized learning and support so that the enrolled children with disabilities can engage in learning and schooling in the same way as their age-peers.
Major Activities
Childhood Development in Karonga District
Karonga District is one of the most vulnerable areas in Malawi, with a high incidence of poverty and limited access to education, particularly in the early years. The Mtuli Foundation has been working tirelessly to address these challenges, with a particular focus on promoting inclusive childhood development…
At the heart of the Mtuli Foundation’s efforts is a commitment to providing easy-to-learn materials for early childhood development (ECD). This includes promoting the use of locally-made and low-cost materials that are accessible to parents, caregivers, and educators. The Foundation has also been engaging with the local community, including traditional leaders and village development committees, to raise awareness about the importance of ECD and to advocate for children’s right to education.
One key initiative of the Mtuli Foundation is to support the establishment and improvement of community-based childcare centers (CBCCs). These centers provide a critical service for young children and their families, particularly in rural and remote areas where access to formal education is limited. The Foundation has been working to provide training and support for CBCC caregivers to improve their capacity to deliver quality ECD services.
The Mtuli Foundation has also been working closely with lower primary schools to promote inclusive childhood development. This includes supporting teachers with training and resources to help them meet the needs of diverse learners. The Foundation has been advocating for the use of inclusive teaching practices and has supported the development of school-based disability policies to ensure that children with disabilities are included in school activities.
Through these initiatives, the Mtuli Foundation is making a significant contribution to promoting inclusive childhood development in Karonga District. By supporting ECD and engaging with the local community and educators, the Foundation is helping to create a more equitable and inclusive society where all children have the opportunity to learn and thrive.
Promoting Inclusive Childhood Development in Malawi's Early Years
The Mtuli Foundation, in partnership with the Support for and Integration of Children with Disabilities in Education (SICDE) team, has been working with community-based childcare centers (CBCCs) and lower primary schools to promote inclusive childhood development. The aim is to ensure that children with disabilities in the early childhood development (ECD) age group receive the same opportunities and experiences as other children.
The SICDE program, an innovative idea by the Mtuli Foundation, has been instrumental in helping children with disabilities to sit upright. This has made it possible for them to interact and participate in activities alongside their peers, promoting social and emotional development. The program has also provided training and resources to teachers and parents on how to manage children with disabilities in schools and create a conducive learning environment for them.
Through its partnership with SICDE, the Mtuli Foundation has been able to reach out to children with disabilities in CBCCs and lower primary schools, promoting awareness about the importance of inclusive childhood development and the right to education for children with disabilities. The Foundation has also been able to develop strategies that help the community promote education for disabled children and provide support to teachers and parents.
The SICDE program has had a positive impact on the lives of children with disabilities in the ECD age group, providing them with the necessary support to achieve their full potential. It has also created awareness about the importance of inclusive childhood development, promoting a more inclusive society that values diversity and inclusion.
The partnership between the Mtuli Foundation and SICDE is a testament to their commitment to promoting inclusive childhood development and creating a better future for all children. Through their joint efforts, they have been able to provide children with disabilities with the necessary support to access quality education, socialize, and participate fully in their communities.
In conclusion, the Mtuli Foundation’s partnership with SICDE in promoting inclusive childhood development is an inspiring initiative that highlights the importance of providing equal opportunities for all children, regardless of their abilities. Through their innovative ideas and collaborative efforts, they are creating a brighter future for children with disabilities in Malawi. We commend the Foundation and SICDE team for their efforts and urge other organizations to follow their lead in promoting inclusive childhood development.
