World Vision promotes early learning in Mchinji

 World Vision Malawi has emphasised the importance of sending children to community-based childcare centres (CBCCs), saying early childhood development education is a solid foundation for learning.

Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, World Vision Mchinji district programmes manager Mereena John said the organisation is supporting 40 CBCCs with teaching and playing materials in its Bua-Mtete Area Programme in the district.

She said: “With support from World Vision Korea, World Vision Malawi constructed 12 CBCCs in the area and trained 190 caregivers.

“With this support, earning is not only effective but also enjoyable for the children. The playing and stimulating materials have helped to create a conducive environment where children thrive in their development. This has led to an increase in children’s enrolment in the CBCCs. Currently, at least 2 285 children have enrolled in the 40 CBCCs.”

One of the CBCCs the organisation constructed is Chisomo Talular CBCC Model at Gwazani Village, Traditional Authority Mavwere in the district.

The CBCC, with an enrolment of 95 learners, opened in 2013, but World Vision built a modern learning structure in 2023 to accommodate more learners and improve the learning environment.

In an interview, a caregiver, Esinta Mauaboma said the organisation installed locally available learning materials at the CBCC; hence, the name talular CBCC.

She said: “This is a modern way of teaching children. When they come to school, we take them through various stages where they learn through observation and playing using local resources.

“World Vision trained us how to use the local resources to instruct children.”

Anna Potani, a parent, said her children also eat porridge at the CBCC, which motivates her to attend the lessons and improves her nutrition