By Arkangel Tembo

Blantyre, March 25, Mana: Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing Early Childhood Development (ECD) services in an attempt to bolster the foundation of the nation's education.

Blantyre District Social Welfare Officer, Bertha Chidzalo Salamu emphasized the importance of this initiative during a graduation of ECD educators in Blantyre on Wednesday.

“The nature of this field necessitates exceptionally trained individuals who can nurture our youngest minds,” Salamu stated.

However, the scarcity of qualified ECD care givers and educators looms as a significant impediment.

Salamu acknowledged the Ministry’s collaboration with various tertiary institutions, including Hope Community Development College, to cultivate a cadre of professionals’ adopt in early childhood teaching.

“We are laying the groundwork for a brighter future, one child at a time,” said Wezzie Mkandawire, Director of Hope Community Development College.

Mkandawire said his institution stands in the forefront of this educational revolution, partnering with the government to foster a generation of well-trained professionals.

"These educators are not only poised to serve across the nation but also to spearhead the establishment of new learning Centre’s, catalyzing job creation in the process, " added Mkandawire.

One of the graduates, Olga Alice Agla, shared her transformative experience saying: “The training has been an eye opener, equipping us with the tools to make a lasting impact in the lives of our little children.”

With over 200 ECD teachers already trained, Hope Community Development College pledges to continue its partnership with the government, striving to elevate the calibre of human resources dedicated to early childhood education.

The partnership promises to shape the trajectory of the nation’s educational landscape, ensuring that children are not left behind in the journey of education.