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Bangladesh ECD Network (BEN)

Mohammad MohsinMohammad MohsinEarly Childhood Development SpecialistEarly Childhood Development Specialist

UNICEF, BangladeshUNICEF, Bangladesh&&

Member, Executive Committee, BENMember, Executive Committee, BEN

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Bangladesh ECD Network:Bangladesh ECD Network: An Introduction An Introduction

Bangladesh ECD Network (BEN) is a forum of government, non-government, academic, professional and UN agencies including development partners engaged in promoting ECD in Bangladesh.

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Inception of the NetworkInception of the Network

• Initiative was taken in 2002 to form a Network of ECD stakeholders in Bangladesh with the support from UNICEF-Dhaka as an activity of the national ECD project implemented by Bangladesh Shishu Academy (the national academy for children)

• Fifteen other developing organizations were active partners of this initiative

• They identified ECD stakeholders over the country through a survey

Current MembersCurrent Members232 organizations working in the field of ECD in Bangladesh.

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Goal of the NetworkGoal of the Network

The overall goal of BEN is to encourage and support the governmental, non-governmental, national and international organizations and partners and other relevant actors in their commitment and investment in ECD in Bangladesh

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Key Objectives of the NetworkKey Objectives of the Network

• To advocate for ECD with policymakers and stakeholders

• To promote public awareness

• To strengthen ECD capacity in Bangladesh

• Support the establishment of a solid knowledge base and organisational culture on ECD

• Sharing information & assist ECD stakeholders to gain access to new information and knowledge on ECD; and

• Develop generic guidelines

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Executive Committee of the Executive Committee of the NetworkNetwork

Consists of the Chairperson , the Vice Chairpersons, the Treasurer, the Member Secretary,  and Committee Members -  elected periodically to serve for a period of 3 years.

Current Executive Committee Members: 24

• Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, GoB• Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, GoB• National NGO• Local NGO• UN Organization• International NGO• Academic Institutions

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The SecretariatThe Secretariat

A secretariat has been established to support the network under supervision of the Executive Committee. In order to ensure the sustainability and continuity of the secretariat, the ECD Network secretariat has been located at the Institute of Educational Development, BRAC University

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BEN Regional HubBEN Regional Hub

To facilitate easy communication and better access between the regions and BEN members, nine regional hubs across the country have been formed.

No. Region Responsible Host OrganizationNo. of BEN members in the Region

1.   Barisal Speed Trust 152.  Chittagong Shongshoptaque 20

3. Chittagong Hill Tract

Integrated Community Development Project (ICDP) 01

4.  Dhaka Dhaka Ahsania Mission 795.  Khulna Jagoroni Chakra Foundation 356.  Netrokona Shabolombi Unnayan Samity (SUS) 117.  Rajshahi ALWO 268.  Rangpur RDRS Bangladesh 369.  Sylhet FIVDB 09

Total BEN Members 232

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Initiatives of BEN for AdvocacyInitiatives of BEN for Advocacy

Knowledge and innovation sharing sessions

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www.ecd-bangladesh.netBEN Website

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BEN Directory

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BEN Logo

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ECD Theme Song

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Folder

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Sticker

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Poster

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Banner & Festoon

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Newsletter

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BEN Progress Report

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Desk Calendar

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BEN with Government BEN with Government in Policy Development in Policy Development

Operational Framework for Pre-Primary Education

BEN had a significant role in formulating the policy and operational framework for pre-primary education which was approved by MoPME in March 2008.

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GO-NGO Collaboration Guideline

BEN formulated GO/NGO Collaboration Guidelines following the approved Operational Framework on Pre-Primary Education. The Guidelines have been approved by the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education in June 2011.

GO-NGO Collaboration Implementation Plan

In 2012, the Government has approved a GO/NGO collaboration implementation plan which will facilitate collaboration between Government and Non-Government organizations in Pre-Primary education in Bangladesh.

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Comprehensive ECCD Policy Framework

The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MoWCA) initiated the preparation of a comprehensive Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) policy in Bangladesh, as part of the UNICEF supported ELCD Project. BEN’s role has been instrumental in drafting the policy document along with other stakeholders. The policy document is in its final stage to be approved by the cabinet.

National Children Policy 2010

BEN contributed to the National Children Policy 2010 by giving feedback in the Seminar on the policy by forming a group from BEN Executive Committee to provide formal feedback.

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ELDS (Early Learning Development Standards) Document

Developed by a technical team with the representation of Government and BEN

Shared with the professionals from different disciplines

Shared in the Inter-Ministerial workgroup

Validation is due and will be done through a technical expert group.

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Interim Package on Pre-Primary Curriculum

BEN was closely involved in preparing an Interim Curriculum Package (2010-2011) for pre-primary. This interim curriculum of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) is under use now by the Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) untill a new modified package is in place by 2013.

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National Pre-Primary Curriculum

BEN has an active participation in the Curriculum working group led by National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) in formulating the National Pre-Primary Curriculum as part of the Third Primary Education Development Program (PEDP3)- 2011-2016. Through continuous participation and feedback BEN has played a significant role in the development of the National Pre-Primary Curriculum