Government urges parents to invest more in early childhood development
Mwanza Regional Commissioner, Said Mtanda addresses participants during the mid-year evaluation meeting of the National Integrated Programme on Early Childhood Care, Growth and Development held in Mwanza.
What you need to know:
- The government has urged parents, especially public servants, to prioritise early childhood development, highlighting its importance for national progress.
Mwanza. The government has urged parents and guardians, particularly public servants, to prioritise early childhood development, stressing that the nation’s long-term progress depends on how well children are nurtured.
The call was made in Mwanza on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, by Mwanza Regional Commissioner Said Mtanda during the mid-year national review of the Integrated National Programme on Early Childhood Care, Growth and Development.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister in the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), Mohamed Mchengerwa, Mr Mtanda said parents should invest more in building a sustainable future for the nation by focusing on their children’s welfare.
“We must heavily invest in the upbringing of our children at their early stages to ensure sustainable families, communities, and the nation,” Mr Mtanda told stakeholders in child well-being attending the meeting.
Participants follow proceedings during the mid-year review meeting on the implementation of the National Integrated Programme on Early Childhood Care, Growth and Development held in Mwanza.
The two-day review brings together social welfare and development officers, government officials, and civil society organisations from all 26 Mainland regions to assess the progress and challenges in implementing the national ECD agenda. The meeting is expected to produce strategic recommendations for moving forward.
Citing the 2022 Population and Housing Census, Mr Mtanda noted that 27 percent of the country’s population comprises children aged between zero and eight years—highlighting the urgency of investing in early childhood welfare.
He also referenced the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS), which shows that only 47 percent of children aged 24 to 59 months are developmentally on track in health, learning, and psychological well-being.
“These figures are alarming. We must wake up to ensure our children receive adequate nutrition, quality healthcare, early learning opportunities, safety, and responsive parenting,” he added.
Craig Ferla, Country Director of Children’s Crossfire, said the early childhood development programme in Tanzania has made notable progress across all 26 Mainland regions since its inception in 2021. The programme is currently in its fourth and final year.
“More than 90 percent of a child’s brain develops in the early years, especially the first five. This is the most crucial window to shape a child’s future,” said Mr Ferla.
Participants follow proceedings during the mid-year review meeting on the implementation of the National Integrated Programme on Early Childhood Care, Growth and Development held in Mwanza.
He emphasised that increased investment in early childhood lays a strong foundation for academic achievement and long-term national productivity.
Echoing similar sentiments, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Sebastian Kitiku, said scientific evidence shows that well-nurtured children perform better socially and economically in later life.
Meanwhile, Innocent Rusomnyo, Programme Coordinator at Childhood Development Organisation (CDO), highlighted the organisation’s role in raising awareness on proper nutrition, early learning, child protection, and safety—key areas influencing a child’s growth and overall well-being.
“We work closely with local authorities and communities to ensure that children grow up in safe, supportive environments where they can thrive and reach their full potential,” said Mr Rusomnyo.
