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