The Early Childhood Development (ECD) sector received K1.2 billion of its required K90 billion budget, translating to 1.3 percent of its funding needs, it has emerged.
National ECD Task Force on Financing and Advocacy chairperson the Reverend Nase Chunga said this in Lilongwe yesterday on the sidelines of the presentation of the ECD Advocacy Week Communiqué.
He said chronic underfunding continues to undermine access to quality early childhood services.
“Government spending on ECD remains low, with a total appropriation of K1.2 billion against an estimated requirement of K90 billion. This translates to a per capita allocation of K1 971 compared to the minimum of K76 471,” said Chunga.
He said limited financing has contributed to low enrolment, with only about 54 percent of children accessing early and foundational learning.
“There is still no compulsory framework to ensure universal access to ECD services, contrary to policy commitments and the Malawi 2063 agenda,” said Chunga.
Despite the challenges, the task force commended government for policy reforms in the sector, including the adoption of a new ECD Policy and the National Education Sector Implementation Plan (NESP I).
In response, Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Wel fare Mary Nav icha said government remains committed to scaling up ECD interventions.
She said the Democrat i c Progressive Party (DPP) manifesto prior i t i ses early chi ldhood development and call ed on development partners to continue supporting government efforts in the sector.
