Access to Early Childhood Care and Development centres has proven to significantly impact children’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth. In Umling Gewog’s Tashithang Village in Sarpang, the once unutilised ECCD centre is now fully operational, buzzing with activities, thanks to the appointment of a facilitator. Both parents and children are happy with the change.
Just two years ago, parents had to travel over two hours every day to reach the nearest ECCD centre near Umling Middle Secondary School to drop off and pick up their children.
With the ECCD centre now up and running since last year, parents no longer have to travel far and can focus on their farming and other household chores.
“The establishment of an ECCD centre at Tashithang Chiwog has made a big difference. Earlier, especially during the rainy season, it was difficult to take our children to the distant centre. Now that it’s nearby, it’s easier for parents to drop off their children and return to farm work,” said Tshering Chuki, a resident of Tashithang Village.
“Having the ECCD close to our homes is convenient. Children no longer have to walk long distances and can start learning right in the community,” said Pema Yangzom, another resident.
The ECCD facilitator said enrollment is low, with only eight children attending. Although the centre is meant for children aged three to five, she has enrolled those who are two and a half years old due to the small number.
“Since the ECCD centre started operating recently, we still need outdoor play facilities. I have been procuring them since last year, with some support from the parents. This year, the gewog administration has assured funding to provide outdoor play equipment such as a slide for all the ECCD centres in the gewog,” said Leki Yangzom, a facilitator.
The Tashithang ECCD centre was constructed in 2021 at a cost of Nu 600,000 with funding support from the Global Partnership for Education Project. Sarpang has around 25 government ECCD centres and seven private ECCD centres.
With continued community support and government backing, the centre is expected to strengthen early learning in the gewog.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Sonam Pem
