Fiji has unveiled its Early Childhood Development (ECD) Policy for the years 2024-2028, focusing on ensuring that all children receive proper care, nutrition, and early educational opportunities while safeguarding them from abuse and neglect. Launched on a recent Friday, the policy underscores the global significance of ECD in fostering lifelong learning, health, and well-being.
During the launch, Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica highlighted Fiji’s commitment to leading ECD initiatives in the Pacific Regional Council and called for innovative strategies to tackle challenges posed by climate change and resource constraints. He emphasized that investment in early childhood education is not just an ethical responsibility but a wise economic decision that benefits both children and society as a whole.
The policy encourages parents and communities to actively contribute to children’s development and ends with a call for collective efforts to ensure every child in Fiji has the opportunity to thrive. UNICEF Pacific Representative Roshni Basu highlighted the crucial role early childhood experiences play in determining a child’s future, marking the ECD Policy as a significant achievement for both Fiji and the broader Pacific region. The policy aims to enhance healthcare, nutrition, protection, and educational opportunities for children.
Basu also pointed out the challenges faced by disadvantaged children in Fiji, indicating that missed opportunities in early development can result in long-lasting negative consequences. She made a case for increased collaboration to advance ECD initiatives, despite previous achievements. Key data revealed concerning trends, such as stagnant neonatal and child mortality rates and a growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are linked directly to nutrition in early childhood.
Additionally, New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji Charlotte Darlow expressed appreciation for Fiji’s decision to prioritize the youngest citizens, who represent the leaders of tomorrow. The successful implementation of the ECD policy relies heavily on the collaboration among UNICEF, the Ministry of Health, and the New Zealand Government, underscoring a shared commitment to improving the lives of children in Fiji.
This forward-thinking policy sets a hopeful tone for the future, as it emphasizes the power of early intervention and the collective responsibility of society to foster a nurturing environment for children, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow.
Leave a comment