Meghalaya CM holds meeting with UNICEF on early childhood development programmes

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 2, 2024

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, in an effort to upscale early childhood development programmes in the State, convened a meeting with UNICEF delegation, led by Dr. Madhulika Jonathan, Chief of Field Office Assam and North East States. The meeting, held on Thursday, outlined interventions for collaboration between Meghalaya and UNICEF to bolster early childhood development programmes.

Expressing a keen interest in partnering with Meghalaya, the UNICEF delegation articulated their commitment to providing comprehensive training and technical support for the early childhood development programme. This collaboration aims to empower the State to implement various interventions aimed at enhancing the learning trajectory of children across Meghalaya.

The UNICEF delegation extended their full cooperation to the government in initiating Child Risk Impact Assessment studies. These studies will serve as a foundational tool to identify areas of concern and recommend corrective measures for the holistic growth and development of children in Meghalaya.

Recognizing the pivotal role of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) staff in the early childhood development ecosystem, the UNICEF delegation highlighted the importance of conducting specialized training programs for ICDS staff members. These training initiatives are envisioned to equip the staff with updated knowledge and skills essential for fostering optimal development of young children.

They also mooted an idea to the Chief Minister to commemorate the 75th anniversary of UNICEF’s presence in India by collaborating with the Meghalaya government in organizing youth-centric activities and programmes. This collaboration will focus on key areas such as climate change, aligning with UNICEF’s global mission of nurturing a sustainable future for generations to come.

Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, welcomed these initiatives with enthusiasm, acknowledging the significance of early childhood development in shaping the future of Meghalaya. He emphasized the government’s commitment to leveraging partnerships with UNICEF to ensure the holistic development and well-being of every child in the State.