The Senior Community Liaison Officer in the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare has commended the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for their support and collaboration in advancing Early Childhood Development (ECD).

Lavinia Mvula made the remarks at the ECD educators' graduation ceremony at Swakopmund, where 40 participants were awarded certificates.

"Your continued commitment to improving the lives of Namibian children and strengthening our ECD systems has been instrumental in advancing the Ministry's mission to ensure every child receives a strong start in life."

According to Mvula, the training has equipped Namibia's ECD educators with essential knowledge, skills, and practical tools to provide quality care and stimulation for the country's youngest citizens.

"Early childhood is a critical foundation for lifelong learning, health, and well-being, and the work you do as educators shapes not only the future of individual children but also the future of our nation. Over the past six weeks, you have engaged in learning, shared experiences, and built professional networks that will continue to benefit your communities."

She reminded the graduates that the responsibility they now carry is both noble and transformative, adding that they are the bridge between policy and practice, turning vision into reality for the children entrusted to their care.

In the ||Kharas Region, 41 edu-carers graduated at Keetmanshoop – 21 graduates were from the ||Kharas Region, while 20 hailed from the Hardap Region.

Deputy Director of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Mildred Feris, said the training equipped the ECD educators with essential knowledge, skills, and practical tools.

In Rundu, about 50 Early Childhood Development Educarers from the Zambezi Region and the Kavango East and Kavango West regions graduated.

They received words of encouragement from Herculano Mwenyo, Director of Development Planning in the Child Welfare Ministry, who said, "As you return to your centres and classrooms, remember that the responsibility you carry is both noble and transformative. You are the bridge between policy and practice, turning vision into reality for the children entrusted to your care."

A total of 299 educators graduated in all 14 regions.