Maseru – Lesotho is set to host regional conference on Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) from the 5th to the 7th of November 2024 at the Avani Maseru Hotel. The event is organized by the Ministry of Education and Training in collaboration with UNICEF and the Network of Early Childhood Development of Lesotho (NECDOL), this event aims to rally governments, private sectors, funding agencies, and civil society across Southern Africa in support of ECDE.
The conference, themed “Beyond Bricks and Mortar: Investing in Our Most Valuable Asset – Building Blocks for the Future,” highlights the importance of early childhood development as a crucial foundation for achieving quality education, as emphasized by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 17. With a focus on quality education and a holistic approach to child development, the event aims to turn words into action and commitments into concrete policies.
Her Majesty, The Queen of Lesotho, will deliver the keynote address, setting a high-profile tone for the event. Ministers from various Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, including Eswatini, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, South Africa, and Zambia, are expected to attend. Other notable participants include senior government representatives, academic researchers, civil society organizations (CSOs), and practitioners, all gathered to discuss ways to improve early childhood education across the region.
The conference is seen as a step forward in fulfilling the commitments set forth by the SDGs, particularly SDG 4, which calls for inclusive and equitable quality education for all, and SDG 17, which stresses partnerships to achieve these goals. In a press release from the Ministry of Education and Training, Minister Ntoi Rapapa expressed his optimism about the conference’s ability to spark long-lasting change in the education sector.
“The future of our children is shaped by the early experiences they receive. We are determined to create a solid foundation that nurtures their growth and ensures they thrive in their formative years,” he stated.
The expected outcomes from the conference include the review and adoption of a draft protocol for children’s education at the SADC level, strengthening partnerships for ECDE support, formalizing regional networks, and prioritizing advocacy issues for the Southern African region.
This is not just a local initiative. Abstracts have been submitted by experts from Lesotho, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and the United States. These will provide valuable insights into global best practices in early childhood education, which could be adapted to suit the Southern African context.
The involvement of key international development partners, such as the Roger Federer Foundation, Global Partnership for Education, the World Food Programme, and academic institutions like Boston University, underscores the importance of ECDE in driving sustainable development. Private sector players, both local and international, are also in talks to provide further support, ensuring that the vision for early childhood education is fully realized.
The conference will culminate in an exciting and educational Fun Fair on November 8th, at Maseru Club Grounds. The event will cater to 500 children, particularly those with disabilities and from vulnerable schools across the country. This will not only be an opportunity for children to enjoy and celebrate their right to education, but it will also serve as a reminder of the importance of inclusive education.
Lesotho’s education sector is not without its challenges. With 3,400 primary schools in the country, only 200 currently have reception classes, far below the government’s target. The shortage of early childhood development centres is also glaring, with only 191 centresregistered out of an estimated 2,000. Moreover, while some teachers have been hired as permanent and pensionable staff, other 80 remain on maternity contracts due to a lack of funding.
The Ministry of Education and Training is actively working to address these issues. An updated syllabus for Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) schools, introduced in 2021, is currently under review, as it has been noted that its standards are higher than the curriculum for Grade 1. Plans are underway to adjust the Grade 1 syllabus accordingly to maintain continuity in educational development.
Additionally, there is a push to ensure that all schools operate on formal sites. Schools currently located in rented backrooms are being encouraged to secure ten-year leases, while others are working towards owning their premises with proper legal documentation.
In addition to its educational objectives, the conference is expected to bring economic benefits to Lesotho. With over 300 international guests attending, the event will likely increase tourism in the country, showcasing Lesotho’s rich culture and hospitality to the world.
Rapapa believes that this conference could be a turning point for early childhood education, not only in Lesotho but across the Southern African region.
“This gathering of minds and commitment is more than just about the policies we adopt; it’s about the futures we shape. The children of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and we have a responsibility to give them the best start possible,” he remarked.
As the region looks to strengthen its commitment to early childhood development, this conference offers an invaluable platform for collaboration, policy-making, and setting a roadmap for a brighter future for all children in Southern Africa.
