Investment in Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) has been found to be a cost-effective way of utilising government expenditure. This is according to a study conducted by the Education Ministry and the UNICEF.
The report was launched today in Thimphu. The study was carried out to address questions on why invest in ECCD, the current status of the ECCDs in the country, and how to achieve the country’s commitment of complete ECCD coverage by 2030.
Speaking at the launch of the report, the Works and Human Settlement minister shared that while 18 per cent of children between the ages of 3-5 years have access to ECCD, more needs to be done for children aged 0-3.
“The first place of a child is their home,” said Lyonpo Dorji Choden. “I believe the home should be the first place and parents, family members should be the first people to create that environment that will lead to happiness and peace.”
UNICEF’s Regional Director Jean Gough, who launched the report along with Lyonpo Dorji Choden, shared that investing in ECCD does not just benefit the children, but also the whole community.
She said investing in quality ECCD not only yields sustainable medium term results through better health and cognitive development of the child but also has long term benefits.
“In the long run, it will result in economic impact-higher earning adults, lower social inequalities and crime, thereby promoting inclusion and active participation in communities and society,” said the UNICEF’s Regional Director.
The findings of the case study, which was started in the mid of last year, are expected to provide directions to the Education Ministry for the 12th Five Year Plan.
“The study is a timely and important because we have been implementing ECCD programs for the last 10 years, but we have not looked at how we invest and what might be the best way to do so,” said Karma Gayley, Program Officer of the ECCD Program of the Ministry of Education.
“It will be useful for future planning,” he added.
The number of ECCD centres in the country has increased from 10 in 2008 to 282 in 2016. The government plans to put in place at least one ECCD for every chiwog to achieve full ECCD coverage by 2030.
