Fiji has unveiled its Early Childhood Development (ECD) Policy for the years 2024-2028, focusing on ensuring that all children receive adequate care, nutrition, and early education while safeguarding them from abuse and neglect. Launched recently, this policy underscores the global significance of ECD in fostering lifelong learning, health, and overall well-being.
During the launch, Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica highlighted Fiji’s leadership in the Pacific Regional Council for ECD, calling for innovative approaches to address challenges such as climate change and resource constraints. He emphasized that investing in early childhood education is not only a moral obligation but also a sound economic strategy that yields beneficial outcomes for both children and society at large.
The policy also encourages parents and communities to actively engage in supporting children’s development, advocating for collective efforts to ensure every child in Fiji has the chance to thrive. UNICEF Pacific Representative Roshni Basu praised the ECD Policy, recognizing it as a milestone for both Fiji and the wider Pacific region. She pointed out that early childhood experiences are crucial in determining a child’s future, and stressed the need for cooperation to enhance ECD initiatives amidst current challenges, particularly for disadvantaged children.
Basu highlighted that missed developmental opportunities can lead to long-term adverse effects, citing stagnant neonatal and child mortality rates and the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) linked to early nutrition. New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji Charlotte Darlow also expressed appreciation for Fiji’s commitment to prioritizing the needs and potential of its youngest citizens.
The collaborative effort involves UNICEF, the Ministry of Health, and the New Zealand government, all of which play vital roles in shaping Fiji’s ECD policy moving forward.
This initiative reflects a hopeful trajectory toward improved childhood outcomes in Fiji, with strong community and governmental support that can enhance the prospects for future generations. By focusing on early development, Fiji is setting a valuable precedent in the Pacific, aligning with global sustainable development goals to foster a healthier, more educated populace.
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