AKDN is playing a leading role in working with Syrian Ministries of Education, Health, Social Affairs and UNICEF to establish a framework for early childhood development, including curriculum development and teacher training.
AKDN / Naoura Al-Azmeh
AKDN is playing a leading role in working with Syrian Ministries of Education, Health, Social Affairs and …
AKDN / Naoura Al-Azmeh
SYRIA | Early Childhood Development
Prior to the current situation in Syria, AKDN was engaged with the Ministry of Education in supporting the Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme. Some of the early childhood development activities have continued, to provide safe learning spaces for children and to help train parents in dealing with crises.
1,000
AKF reached over 1,000 children in 2021
Numerous studies have shown that a child’s formative years, from birth to eight years, are critical for cognitive, physical, social, emotional and language development. Investing in the first years of life is key to developing children who are confident and creative learners, active problem-solvers and socially responsible members of society. In 2003, the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) started an ECD programme based upon these principles.
AKF builds upon local strengths and identifies critical gaps related to the care, development and education of young children. Our long-term goal is to enhance and promote the well-being and opportunities of children and their caregivers.
AKF is strengthening the capacity of frontline health, education and social protection workers for holistic and play-based learning in ECD centres, in addition to the capacity of government at local and national levels for holistic ECD. This includes regular training, coaching, exposure visits, best practice sharing and assessments.
AKF also promotes an understanding of the importance of ECD amongst parents, caregivers and other community members to create demand for quality ECD services and pathways for meaningful community engagement and parent support programmes. In 2020, we reached 3,300 parents and caregivers.
Earlier Work
Before the crisis, AKF played a facilitating role in the establishment of a national ECD Networking Group. In collaboration with the Ministry of Education and UNICEF, the ECD Programme provided input towards developing the first draft of a National ECD Strategy. It also provided technical assistance to the Syrian Commission for Family Affairs.
The ECD programme also undertook the professional development of selected ECD supervisors, trainers and managers. Through a series of related training sessions and continuous follow-up, AKF facilitated building skills and competency in the areas of management and supervision in early childhood programmes. Thirty kindergarten managers and supervisors working for the Women’s Federation and Ministry of Education attended the training programme.