Fiji’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) Policy for 2024-2028 has been launched with the goal of ensuring that all children receive proper care, nutrition, and early educational opportunities while being safeguarded against abuse and neglect. The initiative, revealed on Friday, emphasizes the global significance of early childhood development in facilitating lifelong learning, health, and overall well-being.
During the launch, Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica highlighted Fiji’s leadership role within the Pacific Regional Council for ECD and underscored the necessity of innovative strategies to address climate change and limited resources. He stated that investing in early childhood education is not just beneficial for individual children but is also a wise economic decision promising improved outcomes for society at large. Kamikamica called for active involvement from parents and communities in supporting children’s growth and a collaborative effort to ensure every child in Fiji has a chance to thrive.
UNICEF Pacific Representative Roshni Basu also spoke at the event, stressing the pivotal role that early childhood experiences play in forming a child’s future. She pointed out that the ECD Policy marks an important achievement for Fiji and the wider Pacific region, focusing on enhancing children’s healthcare, nutrition, protection, and learning conditions. Basu raised concerns regarding the difficulties faced by disadvantaged children in Fiji, emphasizing that missed opportunities during early development can have long-lasting adverse effects.
She also highlighted key statistics showing stagnant neonatal and child mortality rates alongside a rising incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), linking these issues to early childhood nutrition. Basu called for collective action to advance ECD, acknowledging that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done.
Furthermore, New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji, Charlotte Darlow, praised Fiji’s commitment to prioritizing the needs of its youngest population, who represent the leaders of tomorrow. The collaborative efforts of UNICEF, the Ministry of Health, and the New Zealand Government are essential components in the development of the ECD policy for Fiji.
This policy not only sets a framework for immediate improvements but also represents a hopeful investment in the future of Fiji’s children and society as a whole. By focusing on early development, Fiji is actively working towards building a healthier, more educated generation, which is bound to yield positive outcomes for the nation in the years to come.
In summary, with this forward-thinking ECD Policy, Fiji is poised to enhance the well-being of its children and foster a brighter future.
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