Governor Kenneth Lusaka of Bungoma has advocated for the Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) programme to be implemented in the Lake Region Economic Bloc Counties.
During an LREB meeting in Kisumu, which was also attended by the region’s governor, Prof. Anyang Nyong’o, Lusaka advocated for the inclusion of additional counties, such as Bungoma, Homa Bay, Migori, Busia, Kakamega, and Vihiga, among others, to nurture young learners.
Lusaka asserted that ECDE provides a solid foundation for young children as they pursue an education and implored partners to support all counties in LREB in order for the region to advance as a team.
The model, which was successfully piloted in Siaya County, is supported by partners including KMET Smart start Foundation, Thabiti Africa, Child Fund, UNICEF, and PATH, all of whom have played a significant role in its success.
Vice-president of the LREB Lusaka noted that the bloc is doing well in promoting and fostering early childhood development. He said they were there to compare themselves to other counties because ECD is a decentralized unit and the cornerstone of early childhood education.
He added that the county is building and financing early childhood development classes to facilitate and solidify the early education of its students. He reiterated that despite the obstacles, efforts are being made to provide children with a viable early education for their future benefit.
The governor of Bungoma emphasized that they must be innovative and considerate of their children’s needs as the foundation for their educational development is crucial. He further stated that LREB is tasked with utilizing its education pillar to promote development research, innovation, social planning, and activity coordination.
In collaboration with other development partners, the education pillar employs a multi-sectoral approach to child investment in order to expand early childhood development nurturing care.
Bungoma County is renowned for its support of a robust nutrition program for ECDE students through the First Lady’s SKIP A LUNCH initiative, which aims to keep students in school.
Makelo’s initiative requesting County residents to at least forego lunch and donate to the ECDE kitty was successful.
Dr. David Wamamili of the Hilton Foundation and other Development partners were present.
