The Moderator of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Synod of Livingstonia, Reverend Khamisa, has praised the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Department for its exceptional work in transforming the lives of children in the communities it serves. Speaking at the opening ceremony of a four-day orientation meeting held at Mphatso Motel in Mzuzu, he acknowledged the significant strides the department has made in addressing the long-overlooked needs of young children. The Moderator emphasized that the ECD Department’s efforts have brought hope to many families and communities by ensuring that children’s early years are not only protected but nurtured for a brighter future. He commended the team for their dedication, highlighting how their work has filled a critical gap in community development.

In his speech, the Moderator emphasized the importance of focusing on early childhood as a fundamental stage in life that lays the groundwork for future success. “For many years, children have been overlooked, but I am encouraged by the effort being made to correct that oversight. The department is making a real difference, and the positive impact is clear,” he said. He expressed deep appreciation for how the ECD Department has been championing the cause of young children, ensuring they receive the attention, care, and education necessary for their holistic growth. According to him, investing in children’s early years is the most effective way to build resilient communities and create a more promising future for everyone.

The Deputy General Secretary of the Synod, Reverend Isiah Mhone, also spoke during the ceremony, echoing the Moderator’s sentiments. He encouraged the ECD staff to maintain their passion and dedication, reminding them that their work extends beyond mere service delivery. “As you serve these children, remember that you are also representing the values of the church. Let your work reflect good stewardship and a commitment to the holistic care of the people,” he said. Reverend Mhone emphasized that the ECD team is not only building a future for the children but also acting as ambassadors of the church’s mission, and its values of compassion, integrity, and service to the community.

The orientation meeting gathered all ECD staff from the three districts of Mzimba, Nkhata Bay, and Karonga, providing a valuable opportunity for staff members to learn, share, and collaborate on best practices for advancing early childhood education in their respective communities. The four-day event serves as a platform for enhancing skills, knowledge, and strategies, ensuring that staff are well-equipped to provide quality services to the children under their care.

The meeting has been supported by the Roger Federer Foundation, which has been a long-standing partner of the Synod since 2020 through the School Readiness Initiative project. The foundation’s ongoing financial backing has played an important role in enabling the ECD Department to expand its reach and deepen its impact within these communities. Through this partnership, the ECD Department has been able to implement various programs that promote early childhood education and care, which aligns with the Synod’s broader mission to foster community well-being and development. The School Readiness Initiative Project with funding from RFF is being implemented by three orginasations in Malawi which are SOLINIA ECD, Action Aid and AEDM.