Tanzania ECD Network, in collaboration with HakiElimu and other ECD stakeholders, had the incredible opportunity to present proposed ECD Vision Statements to the Tanzania Development Vision 2050 Drafting Committee. This pivotal meeting, officiated by Her Excellency, Ambassador Dr. Asha Rose Migiro, alongside Dr. Ntuli Kapologwe, delved into the essential role of Early Childhood Development (ECD) as a cornerstone for Tanzania's envisioned future by 2050.
Tanzania is already implementing the Nurturing Care Framework through the National Multisectoral ECD Programme (2021/22-2025/26) and has initiated various ECD-related laws, policies, and programs, including the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children (2024/25-2028/29), and other education and health-related programs. All these initiatives support early childhood development, but as Tanzania moves towards 2050, prioritizing investment in the ECD sub-sector remains essential.
Key points from the presentation emphasized:
1️⃣ A well-financed and independent ECD sector: By 2050, Tanzania aims to have a sustainable and adequately funded ECD sector, ensuring foundational support for all children. With 27% of Tanzania’s 61.7 million population being children aged 0 to 8 years, it’s critical to invest in this sector to foster long-term development.
2️⃣ An ECD-literate society: By 2050, Tanzania will prioritize and integrate ECD principles into its culture, customs, and innovations, ensuring effective services for all children. Notably, 53% of children aged 24–59 months in Tanzania are developmentally off-track in health, learning, and psychosocial well-being. Addressing this gap is a national priority.
3️⃣ A nation free from child violence: Tanzania seeks to establish robust laws and practices that prioritize the safety, peace, and unity of all children, including those with disabilities. Violence and neglect are significant barriers to child development, and by 2050, Tanzania aims to eliminate these challenges through legal frameworks and societal change.
4️⃣ An inclusive and robust economy: By 2050, families will be empowered to meet ECD demands, ensuring equitable access to services. Currently, 30% of Tanzanian children under five are stunted. Creating an inclusive economy that supports families in providing proper nutrition, healthcare, and education is vital.
The ECD-CSOs emphasized that incorporating these proposed vision statements into the National Development Vision 2050 will lead to significant advancements in ECD over the next 25 years. Aligning national policies, laws, and frameworks will result in improved ECD service provision across Tanzania, ensuring the holistic development of all children.
We, the members of the ECD-CSOs, believe that incorporating the proposed vision statements into Tanzania’s Vision 2050 will pave the way for significant advancements in Early Childhood Development over the next 25 years. This will ensure that all laws, national policies, guidelines, and frameworks are created or amended to align with the Vision's goals, leading to improved practices in ECD service provision across the country.
The recommended approaches serve as a foundational blueprint for achieving the Vision’s policy statements and will guide the development of future programs, policies, and practices in the ECD sector. We trust that the government will consider these recommendations, recognizing the importance of nurturing and protecting our young population and children in Tanzania.
As committed civil society actors, we stand ready to collaborate with the government to ensure both the integration of these statements into the Vision and their successful implementation, working together to secure a brighter future for all children in Tanzania.
Ecd Cso Vision Statements For 2050 [173 KB]