INVESTING IN EARLY CHILD EDUCATION BUILDS A BETTER FUTURE.

(Education Minister Hon. Douglas Syakalima)

(Rodger Federer Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Janine Händel) 

(Principle Education officer of Early Child Education at the Ministry of Education Mr. Teddy Kalaba) 

By Daily News Reporter

“The Ministry of Education they need to expand in accessing quality education in the rural areas for early child education among the communities so that our children grow with quality education skills,” Judith Mubanga a resident of Chadiza in Eastern Province of Zambia said,

She said this to Daily News Reporter by phone that the Ministry of education through in partnership with Roger Federer Foundation it’s a great move which will help the rural communities to access early child education.

Recognizing the need for increased investment in early Child Education services the Ministry of Education in partnership with Roger Federer Foundation and with technical support from Development Network Africa (DNA) conducted a cost study on universal access to early Child education in Zambia,

 And speaking during the launch of the Report “The Cost of Inaction” that gives government cost estimates of educating children under Early Childhood Education (ECE). And Rodger Federer Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Janine Händel stated that the report would serve as a crucial tool for the Zambian government in making well-informed decisions regarding early childhood education.

Dr. Handel also said that the report provides data, insights, and recommendations that will guide policymakers in allocating resources effectively, designing impactful programs, and implementing strategies and that will expand access to quality education for young children in Zambia.

“This informed decision-making process is essential for creating sustainable educational improvements and achieving long-term developmental goals,” Dr. Händel said.

And Principle Education officer of Early Child Education at the Ministry of Education Mr. Teddy Kalaba added that Ministry of Education is committed to increase the provision of equitable and inclusive early Child Education through the education sector skills plan, and this will help the early child to access quality education in all provinces of this country.

Mr. Kalaba stated that this initiative to utilize the report for decision-making is a significant step forward, especially for rural communities in Zambia where access to early childhood education has been lacking. The collaboration of government bodies, private sector partners and international development agencies is crucial to addressing the multifaceted challenges in expanding early child education.

He also noted that in rural areas often face issues such as inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of trained teachers, and limited resources, which hinder the provision of quality education. By pooling resources and expertise from various sectors, these challenges can be addressed more effectively.

Mr. Kalaba urged Government Bodies can provide policy frameworks, funding, and infrastructure development. Private Sector Partners can also offer financial support, innovative solutions, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. International Development Agencies such (RFF) Roger Federer Foundation which has contributed with technical expertise, funding, and global best practices.

“This multi-stakeholder approach ensures that the efforts are comprehensive, sustainable, and capable of making a significant impact on expanding access to early childhood education in rural Zambia. It is through such collaborations that long-term, meaningful progress can be achieved, benefiting the youngest learners and laying the foundation for a brighter future.

Meanwhile Vice President, Mrs. W.K. Mutale Nalumango, who was represented by Education Minister Hon. Douglas Syakalima, said that the report provides government with evidence based information for decision making processes and policy development related to Zambia’s commitments to delivering quality ECE services to all children aged 3-6 years.

She added that the current challenges confronting our education system are complex and multifaceted, requiring concerted efforts and collaboration across all sectors.

“From Early Childhood Education to tertiary education. We face issues that demand the combined resources and expertise of government bodies, private sector partners, non-governmental organizations, and international development agencies.” Mrs. Nalumango said.

The Vice President said the report on the cost of inaction in early childhood education serves as a powerful reminder that it is essential to create well-structured, sustainable partnerships for the future.

The Ministry of Education partnering with stakeholders like the Roger Federer Foundation is indeed a vital strategy for advancing early childhood education in Zambia. Such collaborations can bring together diverse resources, expertise, and innovative approaches to address the challenges faced by the education sector, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

The Roger Federer Foundation, with its focus on education and early childhood development, can provide significant financial support and resources that can be used to build and improve educational infrastructure, supply teaching materials, and support teacher training programs.

The foundation’s experience and expertise in educational projects can help in training educators and administrative staff, ensuring they have the skills necessary to deliver quality early childhood education. This can include workshops, training sessions, and continuous professional development.

The foundation can introduce innovative educational models and best practices that have been successful in other regions, adapting them to the Zambian context. This might include new pedagogical approaches, use of technology in education, and community engagement strategies.

By working with the Ministry of Education and the Roger Federer Foundation can develop programs that are not only impactful but also sustainable in the long term. The foundation's commitment to education aligns with the Ministry's goals, ensuring that initiatives continue to benefit communities even after the initial phases.

With the support of the Roger Federer Foundation, the Ministry can also foster stronger community involvement, ensuring that local communities take ownership of educational projects. This can lead to greater sustainability and relevance of the programs to the local context.

The foundation’s international reach can help bring additional global partners on board, further amplifying the impact of educational initiatives. This could include other foundations, international NGOs, and development agencies.

By forming such strategic partnerships, the Ministry of Education can significantly enhance its capacity to provide quality early childhood education across Zambia, ensuring that more children, especially in rural areas, have access to the foundational learning opportunities they need for future success.

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