Early Childhood Development

Early childhood development is a critical ingredient in lifelong learning, establishment of peaceful societies, and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4. Research concludes that ECD yields a higher return on investment than interventions that take place later in life. It is increasingly recognized as one of the most important investments that countries and families can make to help children lead productive lives.

World Vision believes that all children deserve to experience life in all its fullness, and this includes the right to early childhood development (e.g., pre-primary) support. We also know that early learning starts at home with caregivers and parents. Our approach prepares young children for a successful transition to formal school. We aim to reach the most vulnerable children, ages 3 to 6, through increased access to safe and stimulating learning environments, positive parenting interventions, play materials (including locally made toys), teacher training, and policy advocacy to increase access to quality pre-primary programming.

Rwanda: USAID Uburezi Iwacu (Homes and Communities) activity
In Rwanda, USAID Uburezi Iwacu supported families to create home environments that encourage and foster pre-primary children’s learning by:

1. Encouraging parents and caregivers to use positive parenting practices to support children’s language, literacy, and social emotional development.
2. Ensuring children’s access to accessible and high-quality educational content and materials at home.
3. Supporting the early identification of children with disabilities and their participation in community language, literacy, safety, and social-emotional development interventions.

Through more than 30,000 home visits, the project supported families of pre-primary learners to apply what they have learned in parenting sessions, promoting school readiness, inclusive and playful parenting, and the development of language, literacy, and social-emotional skills.

In FY24, USAID Uburezi Iwacu engaged 362,219 pre-primary learners and their parents through 15,580 Parent Support Networks (PPSNs), which promote children's well-being, language development, literacy, and social-emotional learning. The FY24 annual outcome assessment showed that 74% of children under age five engaged in stimulating activities with a caregiver over age 15. PPSNs operate in 30 districts and include 813,288 parents and caregivers.

The project also trained early childhood development (ECD) caregivers and teachers to improve emergent literacy, support social-emotional learning, and develop learning corners for early stimulation and literacy development. Additionally, ECD caregivers and teachers received training on creating and using play materials for children with special needs.

USAID Uburezi Iwacu also implemented a comprehensive, evidence-based social and behavior change communication (SBCC) strategy through multiple channels, targeting diverse audiences and influential groups. This strategy promotes the promotion of targeted behaviors, mindsets, and attitudes around positive, inclusive, and playful parenting for pre-primary and primary-aged children.

Malawi: Able to Thrive
Able To Thrive is directly targeting approximately 10,000 children with disabilities in Malawi over a four-year period (2023—2027). In the first phase, the project will serve 4,300 children, with about 1,200 children between the ages of 2 months and 6 years old included in the first two years.

The project focuses on early identification of children with disabilities, including screening, registration, referral, and follow-up services to improve children’s well-being and functionality. It strengthens service provision, enhances referral networks, and provides support to parents.