STIMULATING GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT THROUGH INTERGRATED ECD APPROACH

 Parenting in Africa Network (PAN) is a Network of organizations, individuals and institutions keen to promote skilful parenting practices in Africa, for the overall wellbeing of children and families. Vision  A society where Children are Parented and Empowered to Reach their Full Potential.

 PAN has a membership of 150, comprised of international and regional and national organizations, individuals, academic and research institutions.  PAN has 9 active country chapter from eastern and south Africa: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Malawi, South Africa, Mauritius, Rwanda,Namibia,Zimbabwe

 Research  Learning and advocacy through partnerships  Pilot evidence based parenting education programs

 0-8yrs is critical in molding behavior of the child  80% of the brain develops before age 3 when children are in early learning centers.  Major developmental milestone are attained in this stage.  Children need love, sensory stimulation, health care and social inclusion.

 To enhance access to essential, quality ECD services such as learning and transition to primary school.  To mobilize and strengthen the capacity of families and communities to provide care to children of pre-school age.  To strengthen the link between ECD centres and other community, zonal, divisional and district level stakeholders to create a supportive environment for developmental well-being of young children

 PAN parenting guidelines:- understanding skilful parenting, child protection, child development, involving fathers in parenting, communication skills, discipline and character formation, involving children in decision- making, life skills and family conflict resolution.  Policy paper  Government and CSO forums

 Improved family relations-couples discuss family issues  Parents were increasingly giving children space to play; providing items for play which greatly improved the learning environment; further, parents were more involved in children play activities.  Improved learning outcomes:- retention, enrollement,transition

1. Changes in the family structure-  There is enduring tensions between traditional and modern values and structures.  Trend toward modernity has been captured in the gradual transformations of African family  Emerging trends include: single parenthood, fosterage, changes in rural areas,

2. Rise of Migration.  These trends have undermined the solidity of the traditional family, created new family structures.  3 globalization and technological advancement

PROMISING PRACTICES  Design programs promoting active involvement of fathers/male care givers.  Integration of parenting with other sectorial projects i.e Food security, Education,WASH, economic empowerment, education etc.  Programs targeting the family as a unit as opposed to specific members of the family.  Design programs hinged on prevailing policies on families empowerment i.e AU plan of action for the family  Networking and collaboration with other stakeholders

 “Parenting programs should “make new things out of old,” and draw forth new solutions from the traditional resources of family institutions

Thanks you