After four years of dedicated development supported by the Tanzania ECD Network and funded by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, with technical support from the UDSM DHIS2 Lab and the Ifakara Health Institute, Tanzania today marks a historic milestone in strengthening Early Childhood Development (ECD) systems nationwide.
On 4 December 2025, a three-day national training was officially launched to support the rollout of the ECD Scorecard to Council Social Welfare Officers from all 184 Councils and 26 Regions across the country. The newly developed ECD Scorecard presents 14 key indicators designed to complement the implementation of the National Multisectoral Early Childhood Development Programme (NMECDP). This tool strengthens coordination, accountability, and delivery of quality services for young children laying a strong foundation for holistic early childhood development across Tanzania.
Speaking during the opening session, Mwajuma Kibwana, the Executive Director of TECDEN one of the key organizations involved in developing the Scorecard emphasized its importance for planning, budgeting, and strengthening accountability at all levels. She stated:
โAmong its many benefits, the ECD Scorecard will support budgetary and policy planning by enabling government authorities and local councils to assess their progress in improving the delivery of early childhood care, development, and learning services. It uses 14 indicators drawn from five key domains: Good Health, Early Learning, Responsive Caregiving, Adequate Nutrition, and Safety and Protection.โ
The training was officially opened by Advocate Amon Mpanju, Deputy Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, who reaffirmed the governmentโs commitment to strengthening ECD systems:
โThe Government of the United Republic of Tanzania remains steadfast in ensuring that early childhood development is placed at the center of our national agenda. ECD is the foundation of our countryโs prosperity, and this Scorecard will help us strengthen service delivery for every young child.โ Amon Mpanju DPs Ministry of Community Development Gender, Women and Special Groups.
This national rollout brings together key ECD actors from:
โข Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
โข Ministry of Health
โข Prime Ministerโs Office โ Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG)
โข Prime Ministerโs Office โ Policy, Parliamentary, Coordination and Disability
โข Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups.
This collaboration underscores Tanzaniaโs commitment to advancing ECD through unified action:
โA strong multi-sectoral collaboration is at the heart of this effort, ensuring that every child in Tanzania has the opportunity to survive, grow, and thrive.โ
With the national rollout now underway, Tanzania is taking a transformative step toward strengthening ECD monitoring, improving accountability, and ensuring a better future for every child.
Together, we are building a stronger ECD monitoring system for today and a brighter future for tomorrowโs generation.