Investing in Early Childhood, Investing in Lesotho`s Bright Future It`s A Wise Investment 26/10/2016 By: Lebohang Charles Makiba

Brief Introduction Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) is a powerful investment in the future, both socially and economically. Stimulating children's development and helping them reach their full potential are beneficial not only to children and their families, but also to societies and the entire global community. Well- developed children become successful, productive adults who are better able to contribute to a society's economy and to instigate a cycle of positive effects as they become parents, and grandparents, of the generations that follow. It is therefore the responsibility of the Lesotho government and the private cooperates to do more in investing in the early childhood education.

Why invest in early childhood Education in Lesotho? Some people and funders do not find any valid reason of investing in the education of young children in Lesotho hence a small number of children between age 0-5 is send to school. The truth is, there are very crucial reasons why all children should be given a quality early childhood education. These importance are both Economic and Social.

Economic Importance Long-term benefits Higher incomes and tax payments from those who complete school hence economy boost. Lower cost of remedial class and grade repetition which causes unnecessary extra costs. Better job preparedness and ability to meet future labour force demands. Lower criminal justice and prison costs. More school completion and skills due to a better childhood foundation.

Economic Importance (Continues) Short-term benefits Provide jobs to educators nation-wide. ECCD centres purchase goods and services. Employees pays tax which in turn boost the country`s economy.

Social Importance When a child is developed in a child friendly environment with a good foundation, he becomes a good diplomat in the future. ECCD education moulds children`s behaviour in to what they shall be tomorrow. Below are some of the benefits: People of good relationships in all aspects of life. Patriotic society; ECCD education promotes love of the country to the leaders and the generation of tomorrow. Development of a positive self-esteem.

Summary Early Childhood Care and Development is very much important than assumed. This is the most crucial part of the development of a child in to what he shall be in future. Most parents usually complain about the poor results of their children`s performance in the primary school but fail to understand their responsibility of investing in their children`s early education and development. This does not only end there, the governments and private sector also consider people only after holding a tertiary certificate and become surprised by the poor service delivery yet they fail to support the foundation of the person they need in their work force sector. It is high-time everyone gets involved in the support of the ECCD because the investment of our time and resources today shall in future yield us very fruitful results in what Lesotho shall become. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION