Empowering Children through Inclusive Early Childhood Care and Development

For years, the scenic muddy and thatched classrooms at Chimwemwe Community Based Child Care Centre (CBCC) in Mzimba district stood as a symbol of tradition and nostalgia. However, their vulnerability to leaks during rainy seasons had become a pressing concern for dedicated caregivers, parents and children.

Determined to provide a better space for learning and growth, the community rallied together to support construction of new blocks, thanks to mobilization be the Inclusive Early Childhood Care and Development (IECCD) project implemented by Save the Children in partnership with St John of God Hospitaller services.

The project aims to ensure increased equitable access to integrated, quality and inclusive Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) especially for children marginalized by gender, extreme-poverty, disabilities and the effects of HIV and AIDS the community rallied together to support the center's ambitious endeavor.

Additionally, the project works to strengthen integrated case management for improved delivery of ECD Services and improve comprehensive nutrition specific and sensitive community and facility-based services.

Save the Children provided construction materials such as iron sheets, cement, lime, paint, and outdoor play materials in 2021 to support the establishment of the CBCC structure, including a disability-friendly toilet.  Using the available materials, the community members did the fitting of iron sheets on the CBCC structure, painted the walls and together constructed the disability friendly toilet. This was done upon recognizing the importance of the CBCC for the well-being of the children in the area.

Today, Chimwemwe CBCC has two modern blocks that meet government standards. These cater for 32 children, providing them with integrated quality and inclusive early childhood care and development, as well as nutritious food.

In May 2023, officials from Save the Children Italy (funders of the IECCD Project) and the Malawi Country Office, along with partners from St John of God, visited the CBCC. During the visit, they interacted with caregivers, Centre management committees, chiefs, parents, and the Primary Education Advisor. The visitors learned about the support provided by Save the Children, including infrastructure, learning materials, capacity building through various trainings, and the positive impact of these interventions.

As one way of facilitating learning among the children, the CBCC currently has classrooms adorned with various illustrations and pictures. The indoor play materials in the classes cater to the eight learning areas, including dramatic play, manipulative play, reading, nature exploration, building and blocks, imaginative play, and creative arts. Save the Children also provided indoor play materials, kitchen utensils for meal preparation, Tippy Tap buckets for handwashing, and storage bins for the CBCC.

Caregivers at the CBCC have expressed appreciation for the support provided by Save the Children. In his remarks, Macpherson Mponda, one of the caregivers had this to say;

“The materials and resources have assisted us as caregivers in facilitating learning sessions, helping children better understand concepts through visual aids. The indoor play materials also contribute to the children's education and keep them engaged during their time at the CBCC.”

Furthermore, the outdoor play materials, such as slides and monkey bars, play a crucial role in the physical development of the children, strengthening their muscles as they play. The CBCC consists of two classrooms, with one classroom shared by children aged 3-4 and the other used by children aged 5-6 as they prepare for the transition to primary school.

Overall, the Chimwemwe CBCC, supported by Save the Children and St John of God, provides an inclusive and nurturing environment for children in Mzimba district, promoting their early childhood development and well-being.