The transformative power of Early Childhood Development (ECD) for equitable development

Abstract

One of the key challenges facing early childhood professionals in our region is the necessity to share our understanding of the importance of the work we do. When politicians understand that ensuring all young children have the best possible start to life benefits the nation, they are more likely to develop policies and commit funding to early childhood initiatives. When organisations understand they can make the greatest impact by supporting young children and their families they are more likely to develop programmes to do so, and to support and train their staff to work effectively in those programmes. When community members, mums, dads, grandparents, aunties and uncles all understand how the experiences they offer their young children every day impact on children's learning and wellbeing then they are more likely to demand the services they need to help them do the best possible job they can for their children. And when we in early childhood are vocal and share our excitement, our knowledge and our experiences we are making it possible for politicians, organisations and community members to understand and to help us make children's lives better, and through our children, make the world a better place for us all.