Mzimba, November 25, Mana: Child Affairs Officer in the Ministry of Gender, Community development and Social Welfare, Neil Masamba says government intends to train over 40,000 care givers in Early Childhood Development (ECD) to enhance their tutorial skills. 

Masamba made the remarks on Sunday at Embangweni in Mzimba during an open day organised by the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC)'s Development Broadcasting Unit (DBU). 

She said there are many caregivers who lack requisite skills to train young minds hence the plans by the ministry to offer them training. 

"We acknowledge the gaps in teaching skills among care givers and because of that we will be training them in phases. The aim is to equip them with skills in teaching children", said Masamba. 

MBC's DBU coordinating officer, Sebastian Mthatiwa, urged parents at Embangweni in Mzimba to send their children to ECD centres.

"Early Childhood development is critical in children between 0 and 8 years because it helps build cognitive skills such as language skills, problem solving and memory retention. We therefore urge communities to embrace ECDs for their children," he said. 

Mthatiwa said MBC has entered into a contract with Unicef to raise awareness on the role of men and women in ensuring children between 0 and 8 years attend ECD centres.

Mmbelwa District Council official, Isabel Chakhame said the council attaches great significance to education of children and encouraged parents to send their kids to the centres.

Traditional Authority Mzukuzuku urged organisations to help set up ECD centres in more villages to ensure more children attend early childhood lessons.