On July 4, 2024, the National Multi-Sectoral Early Childhood Development Programme Stakeholders Meeting was conducted as part of the quarterly (January to Mach 2024) Tanzania Early Childhood Development (ECD) stakeholders meeting. This significant event brought together representatives from ECD sectoral Ministries, United Nations (UN) agencies), International organizations, and National Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). This is one of the established structures supporting the implementation of ECD services in Tanzania.
The meeting's primary focus on reviewing of ongoing initiatives supporting the National Multi-Sectoral ECD Programme (NM-ECDP) for the period of 2021/22-2025/26. Both CSO and government-led projects were examined to evaluate their contributions to the overarching goals of the NM-ECDP. National Multisectoral Early Childhood Development Programme (NM-ECDP) is an investment in Tanzania’s human development capital through accelerating early childhood development gains by enhancing the multi-sectoral approach to young children’s nurturing care, considering the five components of: Good health of a child and caregiver; Adequate nutrition from pregnancy; Responsive caregiving; Opportunities for early learning; and Safety and security of our children. The NM-ECDP is a comprehensive programme that focuses on addressing the holistic developmental needs of children with the combined effect of all interventions delivering a positive impact on nurturing care to be felt in the span of human life.
Representatives engaged in detailed discussions on various initiatives currently underway. This collaborative review allowed stakeholders to share progress, identify challenges, and strategize on solutions to enhance the effectiveness of ECD initiatives. The meeting underscored the vital contributions of both government and non-governmental entities in advancing the NM-ECDP objectives. Government initiatives have focused on policy implementation, infrastructure development, and capacity building. In contrast, CSOs have played a crucial role in community mobilization, advocacy, and delivering essential services at the grassroots level.
A significant outcome of the meeting was the reinforced commitment to multi-sectoral coordination. By aligning efforts across different sectors and organizations, stakeholders aim to create a more cohesive and efficient framework for delivering ECD services.
TECDEN, as the coordinating body for non-state actors, was recognized for its pivotal role in facilitating these stakeholder meetings and ensuring that non-state contributions are effectively integrated into the national ECD strategy. TECDEN's mandate to coordinate non-state actors has been instrumental in fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives and expertise can converge.
List of ECD stakeholders attended NM-ECDP stakeholders Quarterly Meeting
ECD Ministries
- Ministry of community Development Gender, Women and Special Group (MOCDGWSG)
- President's Office, Regional Administration and Local Government Tanzania (PO-RALG)
- Ministry of Education Science and Technology (MOEST)
- Ministry of Health (MOH)
International Organizations
- SPARK HEALTH AFRICA
- GLOBAL COMMUNITIES
- Save the Children
- D-TREE International
- Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
- Elizabeth Glaser Paediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF)
- Children in Cross (CiC)
- Oxford policy Management (THRIVE project)
- BRAC Maendeleo
- PACT Tanzania
- GOOD NEIGHBOR
- World Vision
National Networks
- Tanzania Early Childhood Development Network (TECDEN)
- Tanzania Federation of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (SHIVYAWATA)
- Tanzania Water and Sanitation Network (TAWASANET)
- Tanzania Child Rights Forum (TCRF)
National NGOs
- Bright Jamii Initiative (BJI)
- HAKI ELIMU
- Centre for Counselling, Nutrition and Health Care (COUNSENUTH)
- C-SEMA
- Ifakara Health Institute (IHI)
- Karibu Tanzania organization (KTO)
University
- THE AGAKHAN UNIVERSITY
- University of Dodoma (UDOM)