By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, September 21, Mana: Principal Education Officer for Nkhata Bay District Council Mcvinly Dennis Kamata has reiterated the need for education stakeholders to strengthen Early Childhood Development (ECD) education saying it is vital in improving literacy levels for learners in elementary classes.

Kamata was speaking Friday when the Department of ECD under Synod of Livingstonia presented a final project report of K350 million 'School Readiness Initiative' which was implemented from 2020 to June 2024 to the Nkhata Bay District Executive Committee.

According to Kamata the project which among others aimed at securing a good start and entry into primary school for vulnerable children has improved literacy for beneficiary schools.

"When learners graduate from ECD centres, they are well prepared and able to understand lessons at primary school with ease," Kamata said.

ECD Project Coordinator in the Synod of Livingstonia, Evance Mwale said that the initiative had registered improved coordination amongst various players in ECD and primary schools.

 between the project and local stakeholders and awarding best-performing Community Based Child Centres and primary schools.