Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare Dr. Emma Kantema has briefed parliament on the progress of the Right Start programme, a national initiative aimed at improving early childhood development (ECD) in the country.

Launched in August following cabinet approval, the programme initially began as an awareness campaign but has now expanded into a coordinated national effort.

It is implemented by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, and the Ministry of Health and Social Services, with support from partners including UNICEF, the European Union, civil society organisations, and the private sector.

 Dr. Kantema explained that the programme follows a five-pillar “nurturing care” framework focusing on good health, adequate nutrition, responsive caregiving, early learning opportunities, and security and safety.

The aim is to provide children with supportive, safe, and stimulating environments for holistic development.

Since its launch, Right Start has rolled out a school feeding programme targeting 3,866 ECD centres, reaching an estimated 110,726 children, in partnership with the World Food Programme.

Caregivers have received seven-week training to strengthen their skills, and a parental handbook on responding to violence against children has been developed with the Ministry of Health and WHO.