Roadmap for early childhood education

BUILDING on the momentum that first began in 2013, regional early childhood education advocates and experts finally agreed on the way forward by unveiling the Putrajaya Declaration here.

The declaration was made at the closing of the three-day Asia-Pacific Regional Policy Forum on Early Childhood Care and Education 2016 on Thursday.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Deputy Education Minister Datuk P. Kamalanathan said Malaysia remains committed to improving the value and quality of early childhood care and education in the nation, and is among the 46 countries in the Asia Pacific region to implement the actions stated in the Putrajaya Declaration.

“Malaysia can, and will apply the nine resolutions (in the declaration) before 2030,” said Kamalanathan, who added the declaration will be tabled in the upcoming Cabinet meeting.

“Early childhood care and education does not only involve the Education Ministry, but cuts across other ministries,” he said.

The nine points in the declaration include having an integrated and inclusive legislation, policies and programmes that provide for at least one year of free and compulsory quality pre-primary education with special attention given to the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children; the implementation of integrated and multi-sectoral policies with elements of protection, health and nutrition, justice and adequate resources for implementation; as well as to develop clear policies, strategies and guidelines for the career development and training of early childhood care and education personnel.

Kamalanathan added that the Putrajaya Declaration is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4.2.

“It states that by 2030 all girls and boys must have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education”.

Unicef East Asia and Pacific Regional Office deputy regional director Wivina Belmonte said the Putrajaya Declaration is a roadmap specifically for early childhood education. It is to make sure that we create the strongest human capital possible.

“Science tells us that your cognitive capacity is built around in the first 1,000 days (from birth). You want to develop smarter children for healthier economies,” she added.

Early childhood care and education does not only involve the Education Ministry, but cuts across other ministries. P. Kamalanathan