An Early Childhood Care and Development centre in Tashithang Chiwog of Umling Gewog is currently catering to nine children from three villages. Although enrolment is small, the centre is helping young children develop basic social and learning skills and prepare for primary school.
Tashithang ECCD centre in Umling Gewog may be a small classroom, with just nine children, but for the young learners, it is where some of their first lessons begin.
Established three years ago, the centre was set up to cater to children from three villages in the chiwog. While the enrolment remains low, the centre continues to serve its purpose, giving children an opportunity to learn, play and interact before they enter primary school.
And learning here is not limited to books and activities. Before their meals, the children come together for Tomchoe and prayers, a simple routine that teaches them to participate, follow instructions and learn together.
For the children, even an everyday routine becomes part of their learning.
Leki Yangzom is the centre’s sole facilitator. She says some children travel a considerable distance to attend the centre, but their parents understand the value of early learning.
“The centre is quite far for some of the villages. Some parents walk for almost half an hour to bring their children here. But they understand the importance of ECCD and the difference it can make in their children’s lives. They have been very supportive of us and the centre,” said Leki Yangzom, Facilitator at the Tashithang ECCD centre, Umling Gewog, Sarpang.
Parents are also helping maintain the centre and improve facilities for their children. And for them, the benefits are becoming visible in how their children behave and communicate.
“We can see a lot of difference between children enrolled in ECCD and those staying at home. Children who have difficulty speaking up and stay idle change after going to ECCD. They learn to speak better and become active through different games and activities,” said Pema Lhadon, a resident of Tashithang Chiwog, Umling Gewog, Sarpang.
According to the National Education Assessment 2024, children who attended ECCD centres performed significantly better in studies than those who did not.
ECCD provides children with stimulating experiences through play, social interaction, and exploration, helping them develop language, motor and emotional skills. It also helps children adjust better when they enter primary school.
According to the Education and Skills Development Ministry, the nationwide enrolment rate for ECCD stands at about 39 per cent, with the goal of achieving 100 per cent enrolment by 2030.
Karma Wangdi/Passang Dorji, Gelephu
Edited by Sonam Pem
