‘Support early learning centres’
Mzimba North senior assistant social welfare officer Maubrey Chibwatiko has bemoaned lack of support from developmental partners for early childhood education (ECD) in the district.
Speaking at Matheni when Luke International handed over Chiwala Community-Based Childcare Centre (CBCC) to the community on Monday, he said most centres do not have playing materials and potable water.
“In addition, most caregivers in Mzimba North are not trained to instruct children. Training the caregivers will improve childcare services in the district,” said Chibwatiko.
He has since appealed to development partners to support ECD in the district.
Luke International community development project monitoring manager Mercy Chapweteka, said most centres in the district are not child-friendly.
“Some children learn under trees while others learn in corridors of community clinics and churches which is dangerous to their well-being,” she said.
Chapweteka, whose organisation ensures that every child has access to early learning, said they constructed the CBCC to support community members who had initially established a make shift structure.
Fiskani CBCC member Webster Mhone said there are four untrained caregivers who offer services to 33 children.
He asked well-wishers to help train caregivers in 13 other early learning centres in the area.
Mzimba North has 453 CCBCs against 16 463 children.
