Early Childhood Development
To establish a strong foundation for lifelong physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development that enables children to thrive and succeed throughout life.
Key Achievements
- Pioneered ECCE programming in rural Ethiopia since 2008 through community-based, center-based and school-based early learning models.
- Established 140 Early Childhood Development and Education Centers (ECDECs) equipped with PLTMs and WASH facilities, benefiting more than 120,800 children (51% girls).
- Trained 277 female pre-primary teachers.
- Established 12 Child Play Hubs, benefiting over 2,200 children and mothers.
Approach
ESD promotes holistic child development through integrated school- and community-based ECD interventions that combine early learning, nutrition, WASH, child protection, caregiver engagement, and early stimulation.
Target Beneficiaries
Children aged 3–6 years, especially those from underserved communities.
Key Areas of Intervention
- Safe, Inclusive, and Child-Friendly Learning Environments
- Positive Parenting and Caregiver Capacity Building
- Linking ECD Centers with Mothers’ Livelihood Opportunities
- Continuous Professional Development for Pre-primary Teachers and Leaders
- Design and Production of Play-Learn-Teach Materials (PLTMs)
- Child Protection and Safeguarding
- School and Community Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
- Nutrition and School Gardening
Cross-Cutting Priorities
The following cross-cutting priorities are integrated across all ESD program pillars to ensure quality, sustainability, and accountable delivery:
- Inclusion and diversity
- Localization and policy advocacy