Future Vision Ministries International has urged the government and non-state actors to start paying all caregivers in Community-Based Child Care Centers (CBCCs) in recognition of their dedication to early childhood development (ECD).
Newton Sunday Sindo, Country Director of Future Vision Ministries International, made the appeal at Chinangwa CBCC in Group Village Head Taulo, Traditional Authority (TA) Ngwelero in Zomba, during the graduation of 172 children from preschool to primary education.
Sindo emphasized the need for the government and NGOs working in rural areas to provide financial appreciation to child caregivers for their significant contributions to child development. He thanked parents and guardians for enrolling their children in the CBCCs, noting that these centers provide a strong foundation for ECD in Malawi.
Sindo criticized parents and guardians who fail to enroll their children in CBCCs, stating that it constitutes a form of child rights violation and hinders the child’s future. He urged parents and guardians in Group Village Head Taulo to enroll their children in the nearest CBCCs to prepare them for primary education by teaching basic numeration, writing, and reading skills.
Addressing the issue of caregiver motivation, Sindo noted that caregivers might stop attending CBCCs if they feel their efforts are unrewarded.
The 172 children from six CBCCs—Chinangwa, Mtendere, Mpakasa, Thabwa, Namashironi, and Kanthu Mkhama—supported by Future Vision Ministries International, will be enrolled in Standard 1 for the 2024/2025 academic year, starting on September 16.
“I’m delighted because 172 children from various CBCCs under Future Vision Ministries International have graduated and will be enrolled in Standard 1 for primary education,” Sindo added.
Jane Majawa, ECD Coordinator at Zomba District Council, praised Future Vision Ministries International for supporting ECD in rural Zomba. She acknowledged the crucial role NGOs play in child development in Malawi. However, she also highlighted challenges in Zomba, including inadequate infrastructure and food shortages in CBCCs.
Majawa called on benevolent organizations to support the government by providing “motivational packages” to caregivers, constructing learning infrastructure, and supplying food to children to ensure they receive quality and equal nursery education.
Agnes Joseph, representing the parents of the graduating children, also praised Future Vision Ministries International for its support in the area. She testified that her child, now able to write, read, and count, interacts well with peers and is expected to excel in Standard 1.
Group Village Head Taulo emphasized that education is the foundation of a prosperous individual, family, and nation. He highlighted the significant role Future Vision Ministries International has played in shaping children’s futures in his area.
“Initially, children in my area did not like school because there were no CBCCs. Since Future Vision Ministries International came to this area, we have seen a great change. Children are now inspired to like school, and some who started in CBCCs are now in universities and various colleges,” Group Village Head Taulo added.
Future Vision Ministries International started working in Group Village Head Taulo in 2010 and has since graduated 756 children from various CBCCs into primary schools, with four children advancing to universities to pursue tertiary education.
