The Namibian government has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing early childhood development.
It is against this background that the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare relaunched the Right Start Programme, which underscores the importance of nurturing children from an early age.
First introduced in 2019 as a campaign, the Right to Start Programme focuses on strengthening knowledge, attitudes and practices around childcare and development.
"The Cabinet has approved it as a programme, therefore making it a national programme, making it our business, and this new programme is embedded into the NDP6, making it our national priority, which will be accompanied by resources," said Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Dr. Emma Kantema.
The Right Start Programme is based on five pillars: health, nutrition, responsive caregiving, early learning and safety and security.
The Director of Community Development, Rosina Museke-Mubonenwa, explained that "It aims to contribute to a Namibia where every child can reach their full potential by having the right start in life supported by informed parents, family and community. It will serve as a primary vehicle for multi-stakeholder communication and advocacy."
A UNICEF report states that of the 420,000 children in Namibia between the ages of zero and eight, only 50,400 are enrolled in ECD centres.
Over 52,000 children are enrolled in pre-primary education; however, only 24% of edu-carers are subject experts.
"These figures highlight the urgent need for us to skill up, improve equity and ensure quality in early childhood services. But I am very happy to say that or to see commitment from the government of Namibia through the different sector ministries with the commitment and dedication they have shown in addressing these challenges, and the further the government is ready to acknowledge these challenges is commendable," said UNICEF Country Representative Samuel Ocran.
Launching the Programme, Vice President Lucia Witbooi stressed collective action from all to ensure that every child receives the right start.
"Right Start provides a source of accurate evidence to inform culturally appropriate information that will guide us all in making a child's first step the right step. The government of Namibia remains steadfast in its commitment; we will continue to drive this agenda with focus, integrity and collaboration."
Namibia is a signatory to various UN conventions that deal with the rights of children and their well-being.