Investing in Early Childhood Development and Education Through Drop In Cenres and Community Child Based CEntres in Malawi

Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO) envisions a self- reliant, healthy and resilient society that respects human rights and democratic values. YONECO realized that there is a strong link between empowering the youth and promoting the care, safety and protection of children. This is in line with its ECD strategic plan is Every Malawian child to begin the journey of life with full care, protection and provision that ensures the realization of their full potential and dignity.

YONECO implements Investing in Early Childhood Development and Education Through Drop In Cenres and Community Child Based Centres in Malawi. YONECO works with 44 ECDs in 8 operational districts which includes Blantyre, Chikwawa, Machinga, Mangochi, Lilongwe, Ntcheu, Rumphi and Zomba. In 2023 reached 776 boys and 667 girls with 85 care givers (14 Males, 69 Females). 2024; 648 boys and 780 girls with 102 care givers (16 Males, 86 Females). 2025; 709 boys and 708 girls with 107 care givers (13 Males, 94 Females) and 2026; 684 boys and 810 girls with 109 care givers (9 Males and 100 Females). Activities implemented in ECDs includes; Physical/Motor, Cognitive/Thinking, Language and Literacy Act, Social-Emotional, Creative Art, playing and dancing therapy among others. Key achievements registered so far includes; increased number of children being sent to primary schools which are able to read, write and count, Children with disability are well supported, good coordination with parents and stakeholders, Interns from MAGU plays a big role in supporting ECD activities including development of learning and teaching materials. Better School Performance - kids who did ECD score higher in Standard 1-4, Improved Nutrition since in ECD centres teach handwashing, deworming, vitamins as Kids learn to eat balanced meals, drink clean water. Improved in language and Thinking Skill, improved in brain development among others. Challenges encountered are transportation to reach far schools in the district, inadequate of teaching and learning materials and recreation materials, Some ECDs infrastructures are not disability friendly, limited resources for school feeding programme and procurement of chairs for learners, limited capacity of care givers since some are not well trained, few male care givers because they are not paid due to limited resources. Plans are underway for the institution to mobilize resources and support its ECDs.