Children of Yabrang and Phimsong chiwogs in Trashigang’s Phongmey Gewog will soon have an Early Childhood Care and Development Centre. The main structure of the ECCD centre has been completed with funds from the Education Ministry.
For many families in rural communities, a day at work begins in the fields. But while parents tend to their farm work, there is another important responsibility, making sure their young children are safe, cared for, and learning.
In Yabrang and Phimsong chiwogs, parents have little choice.
Many take their children with them to the fields, while others leave them in the care of elder siblings or grandparents.
This daily challenge is expected to ease soon with an ECCD centre set to provide care and early learning for young children.
The main structure of centre has been completed, with only development of safety facilities around the centre remaining. Ministry of Education and Skills Development provided Nu 1.5 M for the construction of the centre.
“We have to leave our children back at home and constantly worry about their safety. Most of the parents say that children learn better at the centre and easily catch up when they enrol in pre-primary,” said Gem Lhamo, a parent from Yabrang in Phongmey Gewog.
“Being a farmer, I have to go to the fields early in the morning, so we do not get enough time to spend with our children. Since we are uneducated, we cannot guide our children properly. I used to leave my children with their grandparents, but I am always worried that something might happen, as my parents are too old to look after my children,” added Dawa Dema, another parent from Phimsong.
The centre is expected to benefit nearly 20 children.
“I cannot go to work when I do not have anyone to look after my children. During holidays, my sister looks after them, allowing me to go to work. I think the centre will benefit us because our children will learn, and we will also have time to work during the daytime,” said Chimi Wangmo, another parent from Yabrang.
Once safety facilities and a playground are developed, the centre will initially operate as a mobile ECCD centre, with a facilitator from Saling ECCD centre visiting at least once a week. Depending on enrollment numbers and the sustainability of the centre, the district will consider proposing to the ministry to approve it as a formal centre with a dedicated facilitator.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Phub Gyem
