Children who do not receive adequate health, nutrition, early stimulation, learning opportunities, care and protection, all identified as elements of ‘nurturing care’, tend to have lowered cognitive, language and psychosocial outcomes as well as executive functioning. This usually translates to lowered academic achievement in primary school and, ultimately, dropping out of school. The Government of Malawi recognizes the importance of investing in the integrated Early Childhood Development (ECD) approach which is evident in key steps it has taken to update the National Early Childhood Development (ECD) Policy and framework and develop quality standards.
UNICEF is supporing the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare in strengthening
systems for Early Childhood Development (ECD) through the following broad activities: i. Capacity building of CBCC caregivers through training and supervision; ii. Provision of ECD learning and stimulation materials; iii. Provision of CBCC playing materials and equipment; iv. Minor rehabilitation of CBCC infrastructure; v. Counselling of parents on positive parenting; vi. Transition of children from CBCC to early primary school.
Particip will carry out assessment and mapping community-based childcare centres in consultation with UNICEF, Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare and respective district social welfare offices). At the conclusion of the assignment, the institution is expected to submit a detailed assessment and mapping report.