A two-day Early Childhood Development (ECD) Policy Training was successfully conducted in Gizo, Western Province last week.
The primary objective of the training was to raise awareness of the National ECD Policy, its goals, and how it can be effectively implemented at the community and provincial levels.
The workshop, held on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Women’s Centre was facilitated by the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) in partnership with relevant stakeholders.
The training brought together over 20 participants in Gizo including Early Childhood Education (ECE) teachers, primary school teachers, and representatives from key government sectors such as health, social welfare, food and nutrition sector , and community-based organizations.
Participants were also introduced to integrated approaches that support the holistic development of children from birth to age 8—widely considered the most critical stage in human development.
Speaking to Solomon Star in an interview Edward Dawatan, Early Childhood Development Tertiary Specialist under Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) emphasized the importance of investing in young children, noting that the early years are foundational for lifelong learning, health, and wellbeing.
“So the purpose of the training is to ensure awareness of key stakeholders about early childhood development policy.
‘’The Early Childhood National Policy Development Policy has been launched in 2023. It includes all cross sectors which could bring the level of awareness and information to that provinces so that they are fully aware of that policy, making sure that the priorities, the objective are understood and integrated in the working planning process,’’ Mr. Dawatan
He said the main goal to achieve is that they want all the stakeholders to understand, sensitize on what the rules, the functions and how they can contribute in terms of supporting child outcomes in the provincial level in the provinces especially in western provinces.
‘’Hopefully with their support and responsibility they will be able to identify their plans and priorities consistent with the ECE priorities and policy that will bring better results to young children in the Solomons and Western Province,’’ he added.
The training included presentations, group discussions, and case studies designed to help participants understand how to align their work with the key areas of the ECD policy.
The National ECD Policy was launched by MEHRD in recent years as part of the Solomon Islands Government’s broader commitment to improving education outcomes and reducing inequalities from an early age.
More training and similar awareness workshops are expected to roll out in other five provinces including Malaita province, Isabel, Central, Renbel and currently Western province.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
