CCAP SYNOD MODERATOR LAUDS ECD DEPARTMENT FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT

September 30, 2024UncategorizedBy soliniaecd0 comment

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.

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A New Dawn for Nkhata Bay and Chitipa

November 23, 2023UncategorizedBy soliniaecd0 comment

To promote quality Early Childhood Development (ECD) in Malawi, the CCAP Synod of Livingstonia ECD department and World Vision International have initiated a two-year project named Ready For School (R.F.S). This project is currently underway in the Nkhata Bay district, specifically in the Sanga and Mwendanjira Area Programs. Launched in October of this year, the project is scheduled to conclude in September 2025, covering T/A Mankhambira in Nkhata Bay and T/A Mwenewenya in Chitipa District.

The primary objective of the project is to facilitate the smooth transition of children from Community-Based Child Care Centers (CBCCs) to Primary Schools by employing modern technology, specifically the Early Learning Kiosk (ELK). Additionally, the project aims to build the capacity of caregivers in both area programs, empowering them to deliver high-quality ECD education and ultimately support child stimulation. Simultaneously, efforts are directed toward enhancing nutrition services in the CBCCs, advocating for daily nutritious meals for the children.

The CCAP Synod of Livingstonia and World Vision International, through this project, seek to promote the concept of One Village One CBCC (OVOC) for all the communities involved. This entails improving infrastructure development, ensuring the presence of safe and child-friendly structures for each CBCC.

Rev. Edward Kamthunzi, the Executive Director of the CCAP Synod of Livingstonia ECD Department, expressed the church’s commitment to contributing to the government’s endeavors in enhancing the quality of ECD services in Malawi. The Ready for School Project, according to him, plays a crucial role in targeting various stakeholders, including parents, caregivers, community governance structures, such as SMSs, CMCs, and traditional leaders. The belief is that, by the project’s conclusion, positive transformations will be evident in the communities of T/A Mankhambira in Nkhata Bay and T/A Mwenewenya in Chitipa.

Funding for the Ready for School project, amounting to 200,000 USD, is provided by World Vision Korea. The announcement of this exciting news took place during a recently concluded three-day startup meeting attended by both organizations and government officials from the two districts.

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ROAD TO FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE

November 9, 2023News FlashBy soliniaecd0 comment

A year ago Moffat was part of the grouping belonging to caregivers and CBCC management committee members at Tiwonelepo CBCC, a group which was aimed at cushioning the challenges that children and caregivers in the ECD centres have been facing. One of the activities which has kept the grouping going is the concept of savings and loans which has greatly helped members of the group. The CCAP Synod of Livingstonia with funding from Roger Federer Foundation provided revolving fund amounting to K150, 000.00, to the CBCC which Moffat is part of (Tiwonelepo CBCC). The fund was specifically designed to boost and empower the local groupings and give them opportunities to start small scale businesses, improve their livelihoods and in the end support children and caregivers in the in the CBCCs.

Moffat had always dreamt of making a positive change in his life and the life of his family members. With the revolving fund, He saw an opportunity to turn his dreams into reality. He had observed that there was a high demand Vegetables (mnkhwani, lepi, chinees, tomotaes) and dried Usipa (a type of small fish from Lake Malawi), in various markets, especially in Lilongwe, the capital city.

Instead of merely borrowing and using the funds for daily expenses, Moffat decided to invest it wisely. He used the money borrowed to kick-start his vegetable business and began selling in his local community. His vegetable business quickly gained popularity due to quality of the farm produce from his garden, and soon enough he found himself receiving orders from nearby villages.

Emboldened by his initial success in the vegetable business, Moffat together with his other friends ventured into selling dried Usipa. He developed links with fishermen at Lake Malawi in Sanga, Nkhata bay and started buying fresh Usipa in bulks and drying it for sale. He started selling in the community and then the sales were being made in a far land such as Mzuzu and Lilongwe where he has customers of the Usipa delicacy, and he has been able to make significant profits from the business when it is the season for Usipa.

As his business is able to make profits, Moffat’s income has increased significantly. He is able to take care of his daily needs and that of his family, thereby making his caregiving job easier such that most of the needs are being taken care of by proceeds from his business.

“I can confidently say that the project by the CCAP Synod of Livingstonia has turned my life around. I was in the South Africa for some years when I came back I just decided to start volunteering at the CBCC in my village, then the project came. After our committee members were trained they briefed us on what is expected of us to do. We started our activities and then we were given a revolving fund which boosted the finances in our group and I was able to start my vegetable business with the money that I borrowed and later on ventured in Usipa business with some friends whom I partnered with. The business has helped me a lot in terms of personal financial independence such that am able to take care of my daily expenses as well as those of my family. My dream is to grow bigger than level that I am.”

Through the support of the CCAP synod of Livingstonia and the Roger Federer Foundation Moffat’s life has changed for the better. It is against this background that it can be deduced that with the right opportunities and determination even from the smallest investments can bring about meaningful and transformational change.

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The CCAP Synod of Livingstonia Embarks on Enhancing the Quality of ECD Services

April 27, 2023UncategorizedBy soliniaecd4 Comments

The CCAP Synod of Livingstonia Early Childhood Development (ECD) department has embarked on an exciting new drive to enhance the quality of ECD services in the church owned ECD centres through the usage of modern technology. This highlights the efforts of the department to modernize their operations and the impact it has had on the children and the community they serve hence contributing to the provision of high quality ECD services in Malawi.

The CCAP Synod of Livingstonia is a branch of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) that operates in the northern region of Malawi. The ECD department of the synod oversees the provision of education and care for children aged 0-8 years in the communities served by the church.

In recent years, the ECD department has recognized the need to modernize and improve their operations to keep pace with changing times and meet the needs of their young learners. One of the ways they have sought to achieve this is through the use of modern technology.

The department has invested (through contributions from the Synod congregations) in tablets that are used in the classrooms to support learning and enhance the teaching experience. Caregivers and early grade teachers have been trained to use the devices to deliver interactive lessons that engage the children and improve their understanding of the concepts being taught.

The use of technology has also made it easier for teachers to track the progress of individual children and identify areas where they may need additional support. This has enabled the teachers to provide more personalized attention to each child and ensure that they are progressing at the right pace.

Reaching this far the ECD department has managed to train 160 Caregivers from 8 Presbyteries. Additionally over 90 tablets, 90 batteries and 90 solar panels have been distributed to the said congregations.

The impact of these efforts has been significant. The use of technology has made learning more engaging and interactive for the children, resulting in improved learning outcomes. Caregivers have also reported feeling more empowered and better equipped to meet the needs of their learners.

The CCAP Synod of Livingstonia ECD department’s drive to enhance the quality of ECD services through the use of modern technology is a testament to their commitment to providing the best possible education and care for the young learners in their communities. By embracing new technology and innovation, the department is ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the modern world.

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THE DGS TOURS EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

December 8, 2022UncategorizedBy soliniaecd0 comment

The Deputy General Secretary (DGS) of the CCAP Synod of Livingstonia Rev IV Mhone is this week appreciating the work that the Early Childhood Development (ECD) department is doing in all of its catchment areas as part of his familiarization tour of the works that various departments are doing within the synod in serving the people holistically.

The familiarization tour began from Karonga and Nkhatabay on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively where DGS appreciated the progress of the school readiness initiative project that the ECD department is implementing. The project seeks to have a good start to primary school education for vulnerable children from the ECD centres by providing them with high quality early childhood education hence pre-primary learners being ready for primary school and teachers being ready for pre-primary learner

Speaking at Chatata cbcc under in T/A Zilakoma in Nkhatabay district the DGS was overwhelmed with the work that the ECD department is doing in the district and reaffirmed the commitment that the CCAP synod of Livingstonia has in serving the people. He also applauded the department for the commendable job being done in the communities. On the other hand village headman Katuwa commended the job the CCAP synod of Livingstonia for introducing the project in Zilakoma and he continued to appreciate the project such that the cbcc these days have gone digital such that caregivers are now able to conduct activities such as assessments and learning using the tablet which was provided to them the synod.

The project which was toured by the DGS, is being implanted by the ECD Department of the CCAP synod of Livingstonia with funding from Roger Federer Foundation and it will run for two years from 2022 to 2024.

Rev Kamthunzi_ECD Director Explaining about the natural play ground to the DGS at Chatata cbcc
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VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

June 16, 2022VacanciesBy soliniaecd0 comment

CCAP SYNOD OF LIVINGSTONIA

EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

The Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Synod of Livingstonia (SoL) in Malawi: is the largest Protestant church in Malawi with over 500 congregations and over 1,000,000 members. CCAP Synod of Livingstonia created the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Department with the mission “to provide quality ECD services and to ensure sustainable ECD centres which will enable a solid foundation in young children’s development”.

The ECD Department is implementing the School Readiness Initiative (SRI) project with funding from the Roger Federer Foundation (RFF) in Mzimba, Karonga and Nkhatabay districts. The School Readiness initiative is aimed at supporting “children to be ready for schools and schools to be ready for children”. The project will be implemented in Primary Schools and their Feeder Community-Based Care Centres (CBCCs). The initiative is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4.2 whose focus is on ensuring that by 2030 all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education.

The department is inviting applications from suitably qualified personnel to fill the following vacant positions;

  1. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Officer – Mzuzu

Reporting to: Project Manager

Role: Implementation of MEAL systems for the SRI project and focal point for all Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and learning aspects of the project.

Role Dimension: Work in close collaboration with project staff and key stakeholders such as DSWO and DEMIS office.

Key Performance Areas

  1. Monitoring, Evaluation and reporting
  2. Develop quarterly and annual Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning plans for the project.
  3. Coordinate the collection and management of data and other key project information.   
  4. Coordinate routine monitoring, supervision, mentorship and training of staff/relevant stakeholders in MEAL methodologies and tools).
  5. Provide monthly monitoring reports and support compilation of the quarterly, biannual and annual analytical reports to illustrate the projects’ progress and impact.
  6. Ensure that the project adheres to Quality Benchmarks as prescribed in the project documents and agreed with the donor.
  7. Conduct data quality assessments to ensure that data/information reported at all levels is of acceptable quality.
  8. Setting up and maintenance of Tablets and provide training to project team on Tablets Management and providing relevant information from time to time.
  9. Provide alerts to the Project Manager and District Project Coordinators on corrective actions required to avoid delays in implementation, including flagging operation issues and risks requiring timely actions.
  10. In liaison with the Project Manager review progress reports from project team and ensure that they have evidence to back-up and provide feedback to the respective staff.
  11. Lead on all monitoring, assessments, evaluations including planning and reporting on the same. 
  12. Ensure that the project and the department learn from the monitoring, assessments and evaluations for decision making and improvement in the project design and delivery.
  1. Accountability
  2. Lead on project accountability to stakeholders, government, beneficiary communities and donor.
  3. Ensure that all staff fully understand and promote accountability to the general beneficiary population and to children in particular, through training and coaching. 
  4. Ensure that a proper feedback and complaints mechanism is in place and that all stakeholders are sensitized on how to use it.
  5. Ensure that feedback and complaints from beneficiaries are properly recorded and acted upon (to improve programming and enhance accountability).
  6. Ensure that there is no any form of exploitation and discrimination (based on any grounds) of project beneficiaries at all times.
  1. Learning
  2. Document and share project performance and learning (through monthly, quarterly and annual reports, etc.) to inform on-going implementation and future programming.
  3. Make recommendations for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the project by identifying bottlenecks based on findings from MEAL and analysis of trends and developing plans to minimize or eliminate such bottlenecks.
  4. Build capacity of staff through training to ensure adoption of new data monitoring tools and quality of data collected
  5. Keep abreast of new approaches and tools on M&E, and provide training to project team as required.
  6. Carry out gender analysis to identify, disseminate and address gender barriers to project outcomes and ensure Sex, Age, Disability Disaggregated Data (SADD), Accountability and Gender standards are consistently adhered in project delivery
  7. In coordination with project staff, ensure proper and regular documentation of lessons learned, case studies and best practices.
  8. Represent the project at relevant forums as requested.
  1. Other
  2. Comply with relevant CCAP SoL, Early Childhood Development Department policies and procedures, including but not limited to: fraud and anti-bribery, child safe-guarding and code of conduct, sexual harassment and gender equality, finance, procurement and human resource.

Qualifications, Experiences and personal attributes

Qualifications and experience

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, Economics, Monitoring & Evaluation, Demography, Population Studies.
  • Proven ability to manage data and databases including cleaning, analysing and reporting data
  • Demonstrated experience of Management Information Systems, statistical packages and/ or data analysis software and advanced computer skills (word-processing, spread sheets, and databases) are a must.
  • At least 2 years’ direct experience in a position of monitoring and evaluation of a medium to large scale projects.

Personal Attributes, skills and competencies

  • Good understanding and application of monitoring and evaluation concepts and strategies
  • Have excellent report writing and presentation skills.
  • Organisational skills, with ability to meet deadlines
  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Written and verbal communication skills
  • Interpersonal skills with ability to work both collaboratively and independently  
  • Confidence and ability to deal with people at all levels across disciplines and cultures
  • Proven track record of taking responsibility and ownership for problems and following them through to resolution
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Optimistic team player

2. District Project Coordinator x2 (Mzimba, Nkhatabay or Karonga)

Reporting to: Project Manager

Staff reporting to this post:  Project Officers,

Role: Provide leadership in district-level planning, organization and implementation of the project activities.

Role Dimension: Plans, coordinates and works closely with District Education Manager’s Office, District Social Welfare Office, and other key stakeholders both at community and district levels.

Key Performance Areas

  • Organize, coordinate and implement all planned activities in line with the integrated design of the project.
  • Ensure high quality activity concept notes and monthly scopes of work are prepared in a timely manner. 
  • Ensure all relevant stakeholders are informed and involved in the planning and implementation of activities as appropriate.
  • Ensure approaches to implementation of project activities are gender sensitive and disaggregated data is collected.
  • Provide technical support during trainings and continuous professional development activities for regular teachers, caregivers and Peer Educators/learners
  • Provide on-going support to teachers and caregiver to ensure that agreed upon work-plans and activities are implemented in the targeted CBCCs and schools.
  • Ensure the documentation of Project learning initiatives and outcomes (case studies, photos, lessons learnt etc.) and help maintain an effective information management system.
  • Establish and maintain collaboration with DPD, DEM, and DSWO and other CSO’s and relevant stakeholders at district and community levels to ensure maximum sustainable coordination efforts.
  • Work closely with Project Manager and MEAL Officer to ensure that all Project accountability and feedback mechanisms are operational, functional and used, including by children.
  • Prepare and submit activity, monthly, quarterly, biannual and annual reports.
  • Submit, in consultation with the Project Manager and MEAL officer, reports to relevant district stakeholders i.e., DPD, DEM, and DSWO.
  • Comply with relevant CCAP Synod of Livingstonia, ECD Department policies and procedures, including but not limited to: fraud and anti-bribery, child safe-guarding and code of conduct, sexual harassment and gender equality, finance, procurement and human resource.
  • Represent the SRI Project in different forums at district level and other locations as requested.
  • Any other related duties as assigned from time to time.

Qualifications, Experiences and personal attributes

Qualifications and experience

  • A minimum of Bachelors in Early childhood development, social sciences, development studies, education or any relevant field from recognized college or university.
  • Familiar with computer packages e.g. Microsoft word, excel, PowerPoint
  • A minimum of 2 years working with children in community-based care centres and lower Primary school
  • Willingness to ride a motorcycle and those with a valid motorcycle riding license will have added advantage.

Personal Attributes, skills and competencies

  • Team player and good communication skills
  • Self-starter and ability to work in hard-to-reach areas
  • Mature with good sense of judgement, trusted and be familiar with the districts of operations indicated above.
  • Have excellent report writing and presentation skills.
  • Organisational skills, with ability to meet deadlines
  • Proven track record of taking responsibility and ownership for problems and following them through to resolution
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Optimistic team player

3. Project Officer x 3 (Mzimba, Nkhatabay or Karonga)

Reporting to: District Project Coordinator

Staff reporting to this post:  None

Role: Provide field level management, supervision, and technical support to CBCCs, Mentors, Care Givers and Committees, and ensure successful program implementation

Role Dimension: Plans, coordinates and works closely with care givers, mentors, committees, local leaders and stakeholders

Key Performance Areas

  • Coordinating and overseer of all project activities of the project at community level
  • Budgeting/Planning/Scheduling of activities and submitting the plans to the District Project Coordinator
  • Implementation of activities at community level making presentation on progress report and sharing lessons learnt with community stakeholders
  • Conducting monthly coaching visits in the ECD Centres and Primary Schools
  • Sharing updates on progress of the project with the team either through zoom or physical meeting
  • Representing the department in Project related meetings or functions
  • Report writing and submission to the District Coordinator
  • Working closely with the mentors and caregivers plus other community stakeholder in the community
  • Working closely with CPWs and CBOs in the catchment area and ensuring that the project is right on track
  • Enhancing good relationship and collaborating with key stakeholders at community and district level i.e., CPWs, CBOs and other CSOs in the catchment area
  • Collaborating with other Project Officers from the key implementing partners (Action AID, AECDM). (Sharing lessons learnt, successes and challenges)
  • Writing and submission of activity and monthly reports

Qualifications, Experiences and personal attributes

Qualifications and experience

  • A minimum of a Diploma in in Early childhood development, social sciences, development studies, education or any relevant field from recognized college or university.
  • Familiar with computer packages e.g., Microsoft word, excel, PowerPoint
  • A minimum of 2 years working with children in community-based care centres and lower Primary school
  • Willingness to ride a motorcycle and those with a valid motorcycle riding license will have added advantage.

Personal Attributes, skills and competencies

  • Team player and good communication skills
  • Self-starter and ability to work in hard-to-reach areas
  • Have excellent report writing and presentation skills.
  • Organizational skills, with ability to meet deadlines
  • Proven track record of taking responsibility and ownership for problems and following them through to resolution
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Optimistic team player

Interested candidates should visit https://soliniaecd.org/opportunities/  for more details.

Mode of Application:

Potential candidates who feel they meet the above requirements should submit their applications and Curriculum Vitae complete with names, email addresses and mobile phone contacts of three traceable referees and copies of their academic and professional qualifications. The applicants should quote the job being applied for on the envelope or email heading. All applications should reach the address below not later than 20th June 2022:

The Executive Director

Early Childhood Development Department,

CCAP Synod of Livingstonia

P.O. Box 112,

Mzuzu, Malawi,

Synod of Livingstonia is an equal opportunity employer, female candidates are encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.

Email: solinia.ecd.org@gmail.com

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I LOVE WITH STANDARD ONE CLASS A CASE OF EMMAH’

April 5, 2022UncategorizedBy soliniaecd0 comment

Ng’ongo Primary School was established in the year 1995 and is located in TA Mtwalo in Mzimba district in the Northern Region of Malawi. It is one of the beneficiary CBCC benefiting from a 2 years School Readiness Initiative Malawi Project (SRI) funded by Rodger Federer Foundation and is implemented in TAs Jalavikuwa, Mtwalo, Mpherembe and Kampingo Sibande in Mzimba North.

Ng’ongo Full Primary School has one class for standard 1, has also 11 teachers for other classes, has school management committee of 10 members and Primary and Teachers Association Committee. All these members collaborate in implementing School Readiness Initiation activities and other developmental activities at the school.

Emmah Mzumara is a standard 1 teacher at Ng’ongo Primary School, she has challenged the head teacher that she did not have a dream of teaching standard 1 children, because its not easy to be a standard 1 teacher. “When you teach in standard 1, you should have passion and be creative enough in sourcing and developing the learning and playing materials for the children”. She said. “I did not have any dream of teaching in standard 1 class; in the year 2020 I was shifted from standard 7 to teach in standard 1 class, I refused and informed the headteacher that I don’t want to be a standard 1 class teacher, I can’t manage to be a standard class teacher but the headteacher insisted that I have to be in standard 1 class, it was like an insult to me” she said. She accepted though she was not happy, “2 months later I was privileged to be trained in Know How Course together with the caregivers which was conducted by Livingstonia Synod trained through School Readiness Initiative Project”. Said Emmah

It was this when Emmah joined Ng’ongo learning group, she was guiding caregivers and leading the sessions at a learning group during module 4 discussions, she saw that very interesting and motivated her, the content were helpful and started applying the content to her children in standard 1. She was reading the know how manuals and this has helped her a lot in teaching the standard 1 children. She was even borrowing the tablet from the caregivers and able to read the content in the tablet and able to make learning and playing materials for the children. She then acquired more skills from know how course on how she can be teaching standard 1 children.

Ngo’ongo Headteacher to the far right with an award

Emmah is an outstanding standard 1 teacher in Mzimba district because she now has the all the knowledge, skills and techniques in teaching the standard 1 children through knowhow knowledge, she even said this during the graduation ceremony to the audience gathered at Ekwendeni Primary School where the event took place, she even said that she don’t want to be shifted from standard 1 class, she will remain in standard1. “It is very much interesting to be a standard 1 class teacher if you have the skills and references to guide you, know how course and Early Learning Kiosk has been my guiding tool” she said.

Emmah in a blue blouse attire addressing the audience how know course has benefited her  

The passion which Emmah developed in participating in the know how course has made her to to have a vision for her class and children, developed more learning and playing materials for her children, able to observe her children in class how they are conducting the activities that she is teaching them. She proudly said that she has completed the knowhow course, done Pre course, all module quizzes and post course, and always apply the knowledge she has acquired to the children.

Indeed, Ng’ongo Primary School has been outstanding because of her, this made the school to receive awards of congratutory certificate and money amounting to 50,000 MK, and part of the money has been used to buy some materials like tyres for the natural playground for the standard 1 children. Emmah was very happy that her school has received the awards because of her. She proudly said that she will continue being a standard 1 teacher and continue guiding the caregivers.

The headteacher, teachers, school management and Primary and Teachers Association committee are happy with the work of Emmah as indicated by the headteacher that know how course has really assisted Emmah to have passion for standard1 learners and is so creative and this has made her children in standard1 to like school.

The SMC chairperson also testified that Emmah is a good teacher, she loves her job, she has also mobilized us to come up with the materials for the natural playground, also sensitised parents in checking the books of their children after school, supporting and teaching their children at home.

“We really thank SOLINIA through SRI Project for the knowledge imparted to Emmah our standard 1 teacher, this has made our school to be outstanding because her; we will continue working hand in hand with her and give all the support that she needs even if the project phases out because we have a capable teacher for our standard 1 learner”. The head teacher commented.

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THANDEKA WEARS A NEW FACE

April 5, 2022UncategorizedBy soliniaecd0 comment

Thandeka CBCC was established in the year 2012 and is located in TA Mtwalo in Mzimba North. Thandeka CBCC is one of the beneficiaries CBCC benefitting from a 2 years School Readiness Initiative project funded by Roger Federer Foundation and is implemented in Mzimba North.

All along, children have been using the church as their CBCC because they did not have their own structure. It has been very difficult for the caregivers to keep on using the church as the CBCC. “Each and every day after the lesson is over we have the task of parking the 8 learning areas in the sacks and carry them home as we cannot leave them in the church, so it’s a tiresome task to us as caregivers,” said Stockia Soko (caregiver).

Thus, the community with their chief sat down and discussed the way forward to help their children and to ease the work of the caregivers. The aim was to have their own structure so that they are not to be disturbed anymore. So they gathered themselves as a community and mold bricks but during this time they were still using the church as an ECD center.  

THANDEKA CBCC
Thandeka CBCC- T/A Mtwalo (Elunyeni area)

After the CBCC management committee got trained by the SOLINIA, under SRI, the CBCC management committee informed their chief of what they learnt especially on their roles and responsibilities and also SRI project. The Village Head Thandeka was very happy and interested about this great news in his area as what he heard was something that as a community have already begun. All the chiefs sat down and within no time the land was allocated as where the CBCC can be built together with child friendly toilets, natural playground. just to mention a few. With the help of the CBCC management committee, he sensitized the community members to source timber so as to have their CBCC roofed with the iron sheets. After this sensitization, the community members sourced the timber and the 2 roomed CBCC was built and roofed with the iron sheets.

They were not given nails, but rather they managed to purchase the nails and unfortunately there was a shortfall of one iron sheet of which was bought right away after they noticed. As of now, with their own effort and being the owner of that CBCC, natural playground is in place at Thandeka CBCC, one room has been plastered and they have managed to build two child friendly toilets.

The chief, parents, CBCC management committee and community at large together with the caregivers are so happy that they received the iron sheets. “The SOLONIA under the project SRI has really helped us here as our children will no longer use the church since we have our own structure in good condition. In addition to that, we have also been given solar kit plus the Tablet which has made our caregivers to be resourceful and lessen up their work.” the chief said.

During the training that the CBCC management committee got from SOLINIA, they were also sensitized on the importance of the natural playground at a CBCC like Thandeka. They were told that, learning through play is vital for the children thus the natural play ground is needed at a CBCC. Upon being trained, the community got organized and sourced the materials like poles for the natural playground. “I am very happy with the projects that are taking place at our CBCC as with the presence of this playground is helping to increase the enrolment of children at our CBCC” the caregiver said.

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Patricia Kaliati Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare-Opens Early child development week and launched the Early childhoold syllabus

November 5, 2021News FlashBy soliniaecd0 comment

On 18 October 2021 the minister of Gender ,Community Development and Social welfare, Patricia Kaliati opened the ECD advocacy week which started from 18 – 22 October 2021. The minister also launched the new ECD syllabus.

In her remarks the Kaliati, said ECD is important because children are well placed to start standard 1 when they under go ECD education. Further Kaliati argued caregivers to think followed and advance in their education not to be satisfied with what they have.

The minister also advised all the caregivers not to teach the children to memorized rather they should prepare them in 5 developmental domains.She also hinted that atleast 36,000 caregivers will start receiving money which is anticipated to be MK15,0000 (firteen thousand kwacha per month).

The minister also recognized the CCAP synod of Livingstonia, Early childhood development department (ECD) for the job they are doing in preparing children who are to start standard 1. The department participated in the activity which took place in Mangochi (Sun and Sand).

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CAREGIVERS AND TEACHERS SILUTES EARLY LEARNING KIOSK

November 5, 2021News FlashBy soliniaecd0 comment

Early Childhood Development (ECD) is a key priority for the Government of Malawi, guided by the National Early Childhood Development Policy (2017) and the National Strategic Plan for Early Childhood Development (2009-2014), as well as several other plans and guidelines. Through the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy III (MGDS III), the Government has made a commitment to improve access to, and quality, of ECD services. The Government is aiming to ensure that all eligible children have access to ECD services by 2030. The ECD encompasses a wide range of services such as early stimulation, nutrition and early learning.

The Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability, and Social Welfare (MoGCDSW) implements ECD policies across sectors. Preprimary education for 3 years to 5-year-olds is provided free of charge at public childcare centers, as are a range of essential health services available at public hospitals and health facilities. However, despite this well-defined structure, service delivery suffers from poor quality. The absence of a well-trained is one of the obstacles in delivering quality ECD services.

The study conducted by CCAP synod of livingstonia, Early childhood development department with the funding from Roger Federer foundation revealed that 22% of the caregivers in Mzimba north were properly trained and out of the trained 19% have knowledge and skills on child assessment. The study has also uncovered that the highest qualification in preprimary class was Junior certificate of education (JCE- 44%), followed by Malawi school leaving certificate of education (MSCE-39%), Primary school leaving certificate of education (PSLCE-17%).The study necessitated the implementation of School readiness project (SRI) is aiming at children being ready (from CBCC) for school and school (Primary school). Looking at the numbers of untrained caregivers the SRI project introduced an offline tab-with several tools and apps to capacitate in a comprehensive manner caregiver in early childhood education called the early learning kiosk (ELK) or self-guided course. The ELK has Tool book which has several manuals which helps caregivers in their work, knowhow which guides the caregiver on how successfully to deliver lessons and child step which is used to assess children in their developmental domains.

With the level of the caregivers in the project impact area, stakeholders voiced their concerns on the successfulness of the project, during the District executive committee meeting where the project was being introduced one of the executives said “This project is a non-starter, if an educated individual, including some of us here are failing to operate an android phone, and you expect a Junior certificate (JCE) or primary school leaving certificate of education (PSLCE)  hold to it? you must be joking”.And one of the stakeholders during the stakeholder orientation meeting narrated in few words “with this? (Pointing at the phone), our caregivers? We shall see together.

The department from its SRI project team conducted one-day orientation activity on self-guided course (early learning course). A total of 44 males and 108 females took part in the orientation. Of which 24 males and 83 females are from CBCCs and 20 males and 25 are from primary school (headteachers and s standard 1 teachers). It is worth pointing that total number of 167 caregivers have been mentored by their fellow caregivers.

Since the ELK training 60% of the caregivers are able to access learners using child steps, Esnart Mphepo a caregiver at Chinthuli CBCC in the area of Enyezini Traditional authority Kampingo Sibande said “With the coming of ELK we are able to create a class, add our children, assess them and get the individual or class assessment results in the same phone withing minutes, our work has been tremendously simplified”. While Lirani ng’oma of Kalaza CBCC in the area of Traditional authority Mtwalo said, with Knowhow we now know how to handle children, we are able to understand the needs of the children through, what we learn in observation module, at the same time we are able to build a team around the child so the child feels safe”.

The success of ELK has never left Ikawa CBCC in the area of Traditional authority Jalavikuwa. Ikawa CBCC was not selected to participate in the project but they showed interest to learn the whole ELK and they are grateful because they learned a lot form the toolbox, one of the caregivers was heard saying, “Natural playground app has helped us in how to come with the outdoor play area”.

These testimonies are contrary to the area fears in the inception phase. It is also important to mention the support from different stakeholders for this to work. These include M’mbelwa district council, the office of the district education manager Mzimba north. The office of district social welfare Mzimba north, the area development committees of TA Mtwalo, Jalavikuwa munthali, and Kampingo sibande, the child protection (committee). Special recognition also should go to child protection workers, primary school education advisors, the headteachers and standard 1 teachers.

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