At the 4th International Quality Education Conference (IQEC 2024) which took place at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam and was organized by the Tanzania Education Network (TENMET). This event brought together policymakers, delegates, researchers, academics, stakeholders, and students from across Africa and beyond under the theme, "Fostering Resilient Education Systems for Sustainable Development in Africa"
The Tanzania ECD Network actively contributed to the conference, with notable participation in moderation of 2 key discussions and presentations highlighting systemic challenges and innovative solutions for early childhood development in Tanzania.
Mwajuma Rwebagila, Executive Director Tanzania ECD Network led a discussion on "Ensuring Equitable Access to Quality Early Learning Opportunities: Overcoming Systemic Challenges and Sharing Best Practices in Early Childhood Education." Panelists included Scholastica Olomi, ECD Technical Lead at BRAC Maendeleo Tanzania; Liz Gupta, General Manager of BRAC Enterprise Tanzania; and Craig Ferla, Country Director of Children in Crossfire Tanzania. The discussion highlighted systemic barriers to early learning, such as limited resources, policy gaps, and inequitable access, while showcasing innovative, evidence-based strategies that Tanzania and partners employ to ensure quality education for underserved communities.
Christopher Peter, Project Officer Tanzania ECD Network, moderated two significant paper presentations. The first, "Investing in Early Childhood Education for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth: Evidence from Tanzania," was presented by Hayrullo Malikov, Social and Economic Analysis Specialist at UNICEF Tanzania. The second, delivered by Dr. Geraldina Edward Kisembe, Early Childhood Development and Care Specialist from the University of Dar es Salaam, emphasized the transformative role of early education investments in fostering inclusive economic development and societal resilience. Both presentations underscored how early investments yield substantial long-term benefits for children, communities, and national growth.
In addition to its active role in discussions, Tanzania ECD Network showcased its ongoing initiatives to address critical ECD challenges. A key resolution from the conference was a call for African governments to prioritize investments in early childhood education as a cornerstone for sustainable development and societal well-being.
Tanzania ECD Network remains committed to championing ECD issues through a multisectoral approach that ensures every child in Tanzania has access to the care and education necessary for holistic development. By fostering strategic partnerships and evidence-based advocacy, the network aims to build a resilient and thriving society starting with its youngest citizens