The Early Childhood Development Network Ghana (ECNG) hosted its Annual General Assembly on March 13, 2024, at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly. This pivotal event, themed “Revitalizing Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) in Ghana: Strategies to Bridging Gaps and Fostering Equity in Service Delivery”, aligned with the African Union’s 2024 theme “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century.” The assembly brought together over 60 delegates from diverse sectors, including government, academia, NGOs, and international partners, underscoring the multi-disciplinary collaboration required to enhance early childhood education in Ghana.

Key areas discussed included the contextualization of the African Union’s theme within Ghana’s ECE landscape, the integration of the Nurturing Care Framework, addressing disparities in ECE access, and fostering collaborative efforts across stakeholders. A panel discussion explored innovative solutions for equitable ECED access, and workshops facilitated strategic planning for policy advocacy, capacity building, and the holistic implementation of the Nurturing Care Framework.

Summary of Achievements:

            •          Policy Advocacy: Strengthening alliances to advocate for systemic ECED reforms.

            •          Capacity Building: Practical strategies were shared for implementing nurturing care and enhancing teacher training programs.

            •          Mapping ECD Centers: A comprehensive mapping project for ECD centers in informal areas is set to launch.

            •          International Recognition: Ghana’s preschool policy was lauded globally for its pioneering efforts in early childhood education.

Next Steps: ECNG is poised to enhance the Nurturing Care Framework, intensify advocacy for policy changes, and leverage technology to improve access and engagement in ECED. The organization will continue fostering partnerships and stakeholder engagement to ensure every child in Ghana benefits from quality early childhood care and education.

For full details of the AGA proceedings and to stay informed on ECNG’s upcoming initiatives, please visit [link to full report].

Acknowledgment: ECNG expresses its heartfelt thanks to all partners, sponsors, and attendees, especially AfECN, for their support in making this event a success.

Accra, Ghana – The Early Childhood Network Ghana (ECNG) has successfully completed an intensive two-day shadow report writing session held on September 24-25, 2024, at the Korkdam Hotel, Achimota. This gathering marked a significant step forward in our ongoing advocacy efforts to enhance Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) across the country.

Uniting for Change

Bringing together ECNG partners and stakeholders, the session was focused on refining and finalizing our shadow report, which addresses the current state and challenges of ECCE in Ghana. The report aims to highlight crucial areas needing attention and suggests actionable recommendations for policymakers and the community at large.

Collaborative Efforts and Expert Contributions

The event featured a series of collaborative workshops, expert-led discussions, and virtual presentations that allowed for a rich exchange of ideas and best practices. Key topics covered included administrative improvements, resource allocation, program management, and regulatory frameworks necessary to uphold and enhance the rights and quality of early childhood education in Ghana.

Achievements and Next Steps

Throughout the session, participants worked diligently in groups to ensure that each section of the report was thoroughly analyzed and articulated. The collaborative atmosphere enabled us to harness diverse perspectives and expertise, culminating in a comprehensive report that reflects the collective vision and commitment of all stakeholders involved.

Looking ahead, ECNG plans to submit the finalized shadow report to the relevant governmental bodies and international organizations by October 2024. The report will also be available on our website for public access, ensuring transparency and community involvement in our advocacy journey.

Gratitude and Acknowledgments

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants, facilitators, and online contributors who dedicated their time and insights to make this session a success. Special appreciation goes to our partners who could not attend in person but participated actively through virtual presentations, enriching the session with their valuable perspectives.

Stay Engaged

As we move forward, ECNG is committed to keeping the momentum and continuing our collaborative efforts to ensure that every child in Ghana has access to quality early education. We encourage all stakeholders and the public to stay engaged through our upcoming workshops and public forums.

For more information, updates, and to get involved, please visit our website or contact our office directly. Together, we are making strides toward a brighter future for the children of Ghana.