The Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) programme in Vihiga County received a boost after the County government distributed teaching and learning materials worth Sh.11 million.
Area Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo presided over the distribution exercise which was held at Mbale Friends Primary School on Monday.
Addressing teachers, parents, pupils and community members, Governor Ottichilo reiterated his government’s commitment toward elevating levels of academic standards in the county.
“This can only be achieved if we have a functional ECDE programme in our primary schools,” noted Ottichilo who urged ECDE teachers to offer their best in terms of delivering elementary skills to the young ones.
He, however, expressed satisfaction over what he described as encouraging commitment from the ECDE teachers.
The county government spent Sh.11million toward purchase of Competence Based Curriculum (CBS) ECDE textbooks and stationery that included exercise books, pencils, vowel cards, number cards, dustless chalks, pen packets, plasticine and erasers.
The governor disclosed his government had constructed 175 ECDEclassrooms since he took power in 2018.
He further revealed that his government was exploring possibilities ofsupporting key infrastructure projects in government schools, including water and toilets.
“We have asked line departments like water and environment to setaside adequate funds towards construction of water boreholes andmodern toilets in our schools,” revealed Ottichillo.
The event was attended by Deputy Governor, Dr. Patrick Saisi, Chief Officer in charge of Education, Mrs, Mary Susan Anyienda, several Members of County Assemblies (MCAs).
A total of 39,000 children in public schools are set to benefit fromthe learning materials.
By Jaika Mathews
