Council lauds inclusive child care project in Mzimba

M’Mbelwa District Council district social welfare officer Bernard Nangwale has hailed the Inclusive Early Childhood Care and Development Project being implemented by Save the Children and St. John of God in Mzimba District, saying it is promoting early childhood development learning.

Speaking on Friday during a tour to appreciate the progress of the project, he said over the past seven years, the project has increased enrollment of children in ECD centres including those with disabilities.

Said Nangwale: “Most importantly, the project has also helped in building the capacity of caregivers and committee members who are the backbone of the early childhood development centres to own the programme.”

Mzimba district rehabilitation manager Mary Stella Zephani said through the project, several disability friendly structures have been constructed.

“It has also built the capacity of caregivers and parents on how to support children with disabilities at community-based care centres or at home,” she said.

Save the Children project coordinator Zindaba Lungu said so far the project has empowered communities to promote issues of child care, support and development beyond the project implementation in the district.

The project is being implemented in the areas of traditional authorities (T/As) Kampingo Sibande, M’Mbelwa and Mzikubola in the district.