Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has called for the adoption of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) programme in the Lake Region Economic Bloc Counties.
Speaking during a LREB meeting in Kisumu which was also attended by the area Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o, Lusaka called for other counties like Bungoma, Homa Bay, Migori, Busia, Kakamega and Vihiga among others be brought on board to nurture young learners.
Lusaka stated that ECDE creates a firm foundation for young children as they pursue their education, and urged partners to come on board to support all counties in LREB for the region to move forward as a team.
The model, which was piloted and succeeded in Siaya County is being supported by partners including KMET Smart start Foundation, Thabiti Africa, Child Fund, UNICEF, and PATH who have played a vital role in its success.
Lusaka who is the LREB vice chairperson noted that the bloc is doing well in promoting and nurturing care for early childhood development. “We are here to bench mark with other counties because ECD is a devolved unit and the pillar for early childhood learning,” he said.
He added that as a county they are building and financing the construction of early childhood development classes to facilitate and cement the learners’ early education. He reiterated that despite the challenges, they are working to accord children a viable early education for the benefit of their future.
“We need to be innovative and conscious of the needs of our children because the foundation for their education growth is very important,” he said.
The Bungoma Governor said that LREB is mandated to utilize its education pillar for the promotion of development research, innovation, social planning and coordination of activities.
In partnership with other development partners, the education pillar works to upscale the nurturing care for early childhood development by employing a multi-sectoral approach in child investment.
Bungoma County is recognized for supporting a robust feeding program of ECDE pupils through SKIP a LUNCH initiative by the First Lady, Dr Margaret Makelo, aimed at sustaining learners in school.
The initiative by. Makelo requested County residents to at least skip a lunch and support the ECDE kitty which has worked well.
In attendance were Dr David Wamamili of Hilton Foundation and other Development partners.
By Douglas Mudambo
