STIMULATING GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT THROUGH
INTERGRATED ECD APPROACH
GENERAL OVERVIEW OF PAN 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.
MEMBERSHIP
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
PROGRAMS
Research
Learning and advocacy through partnerships
Pilot evidence based parenting education programs
WHY ECD? 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.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INTEGRATION OF ECD AND PARENTING PROGRAMS (PILOT PROJECT)
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
TOOLS AND PLATFORMS 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
OUTCOME
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
CHALLENGES
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