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Let's make the 17th of September a global day on early childhood development: Sign the petition
ZEChiDEF
August 24, 2011

Introduction

By the start of the new millennium, increasing global commitment was signaled at a policy level through the incorporation of Early Childhood Care and Education as Goal 1 within Education for All (EFA) policy (UNESCO, 2000), as well as through very rapid expansion of programmes throughout the world, focusing on early care and development as well as education. It is still a challenge for Zimbabwe to offer adequate policy responses to the rapid growth in demand for ECD services for all children and especially for disadvantaged children. This demands great advocacy for efforts and resources to be redirected to ECD programmes and services throughout the world.

Background

"Early childhood development remains one of the most powerful levers for accelerating education for all and meeting the Millennium Development Goals for reducing poverty." World Bank

Neglect of early childhood in countries especially developing countries prompted the UN Committee to devote its Day of General Discussion 2004 (17 September) to early childhood - defined as 'the period below the age of 8 years'. The UN Committee set out its vision for rights in early childhood in General Comment 7 (UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, 2005). General Comment 7 offers a broad interpretation of the right to education in early childhood, as beginning at birth and closely linked to young children's right to development. General Comment 7 advocates comprehensive, rights-based multisectoral strategies especially for the most vulnerable groups, including community-based services, both for children and for their caregivers.

Problem Statement

Globally, it is estimated that over 200 million children under 5 years of age are not reaching their full potential in mental and social development owing to extreme poverty, and poor health and nutrition. For optimal development young children need loving, warm, consistent and responsive caregivers, within a stimulating environment, with play materials, and opportunities for interaction and learning. Underpinning all of this are good nutrition and health. The environment in early childhood affects brain development.

Many factors such as parental care, stimulation, stress, nutrition and environmental toxins can have long-term effects on brain development and function. Low levels of parental education and increased stress brought about by HIV/AIDS, poverty and economic hardships have led to poor parenting skills, poor child health and nutrition, and a learning environment with limited stimulation.

Studies in low-resource countries have indicated that children who are born into poor families or are malnourished in the first 2 years have poorer levels of educational attainment or cognitive function (Grantham- McGregor et al., 2007). Low levels of educational attainment lead to poor employment opportunities and reduced income in adulthood, and poverty is transmitted to the next generation. By preventing the loss of developmental potential that affects millions of children worldwide during the first 5 years of life, the cycle of poverty can be interrupted and equity promoted in society. Early childhood development programmes can help to prevent the loss of developmental potential - and they are cost-effective (Heckman, 2006b). Access to ECD services should be promoted to ensure that even orphans and vulnerable children are not left out or marginalised.

Global ECD Day Commemorations

Zimbabwe Early Childhood Development and Education Foundation (ZEChiDEF) is spearheading advocacy efforts for the recognition of 17 September, each year as a global commemorative day on early childhood development.

ZEChiDEF is organizing the inaugural commemorations to be held in Zimbabwe on the 17th of September, 2011 in Harare.

The Global ECD Day commemorations are aimed at raising awareness on the importance of early childhood development as "one of the most powerful levers for accelerating education for all and meeting the Millennium Development Goals for reducing poverty", World Bank.

Online Petition to the UN Secretary General, UN Country Representatives, UN Agencies, International Civil Organisations, Child Protection Organisations

Sign the online petition if you believe in our cause and help us reach the target of 1,000 signatures. Follow this link:

www.thepetitionsite.com/3/lets-make-the-17th-of-september-a-global-day-on-early-childhood-development/

Participate in the inaugural ECD Day Commemorations in Zimbabwe

There are many ways to participate:

Help in planning the commemoration's activities;

• You or your organisation can make a donation towards the commemoration;
• You can volunteer your services on the day of commemorations;
• You can bring your kids to the commemorations;
• Your school or church's children's groups can take part during the activities on the day?

Contact:

Morris Chivandire for more information on zechidef@gmail.com or call 0775 469 645

Visit the ZEChiDEF fact sheet

Please credit www.kubatana.net if you make use of material from this website. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License unless stated otherwise.

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