Livingstonia Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian has equipped 166 caregivers with digital skills to enhance their capacity for instructing children in early childhood development (ECD).
The six-month training exposed the caregivers to the use of tablets during lessons.
Speaking during the award of certificates on Monday in Mzimba, the synod’s executive director the Reverend Nase Chunga called on government, donors and other organisations to continue investing in ECD programmes.
He said: “We still have many challenges affecting ECD programme such as poor learning structures, lack of training and remuneration for the caregivers.
“Our call to the government is that they should allocate more resources towards early learning and ensure caregivers are on monthly stipend.”
Chunga said the synod is committed to scaling up ECD services in the district through training more caregivers and constructing decent community-based childcare centres (CBCCs).
On her part, Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare ECD quality control officer Chikondi Mponda said they appreciate the challenges facing ECDs.
“We are aware that most CBCCs in the country are not permanent and conducive for learners. Again, we understand most caregivers are not receiving stipend for the good work they do, but we remain committed to addressing the challenges,” she said.
Mponda commended the synod for the training, saying they are complementing government’s efforts to train caregivers.
A caregiver, Tawonga Mwale, from Chizgola CBCC in Traditional Authority (T/A) Chindi, said government should consider putting them on monthly stipend.
Currently, only 2 000 caregivers out of 36 000 are on government payroll.
The synod is implementing an ECD project with funding from the Rodger Federer Foundation in T/As Mzikubola, Mzukuzuku, Chindi, Jalavikuba, M’Mbelwa, Kampingo Sibande and Mtwalo in the district.
