Solomon Islands Delegation Successfully Participated in the Early Childhood Development Forum in Fiji
The Solomon Islands delegation to the Early Childhood Development (ECD) forum in Nadi, Fiji have had a fruitful participation at the forum that concluded today (24 February 2023).
The delegation led by the Minister for Education and Human Resources Development Hon Lanelle Tanaganda consist of officials from the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the Ministry of Finance and Treasury and the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs.
Part of the Solomon Islands delegation posed with the Minister of Education and Human Resources Development Hon Lanelle Tanaganda and the former All Blacks Player and UNICEF Ambassador Dan Carter (C)
The delegation involved in the discussions and made inputs on creating a resilient blue Pacific for all children, finding solutions to address issues affecting children on climate change, health issues affecting children and determine strategic priorities for ECD from 2023 to 2025.
On Thursday, Minister Tanaganda informed the forum on the Solomon Islands Government’s commitment with other Pacific Island countries in developing ECD Policy.
“Solomon Islands already has an Overall National Children’s Policy as it defines children as any person below the age of 18 years. While the ECD National Policy starts with preconception to 8 years. This Policy has been developed over the years.”
Solomon Islands delegation engaged in discussions on ECD
“The ECD Policy is in line with the Ministries’ work plans and the country’s National Development Strategy. The Policy is also positioned to improve program and quality delivery of services for young children and families within the principles of Nurturing Care Framework for ECD.”
She explained a National Steering Committee Secretary consisting of Permanent Secretaries from line Ministries that are part of the policy has been established.
This includes an ECD Technical Working Group consisting of Deputy Secretaries and Directors to work on the policy.
The Minister was also part of the round table discussions on the status of the Pacific Regional Council for ECD (PRC4ECD) Work plan implementation, sustainability of the PRC4D and mobilization of resources, priorities for 2023-2025 and election of Ministerial Chairs.
The forum concluded with governments of 15 Pacific Island Countries declared their commitments to speed up the implementation of the Pacifica Call to Action on ECD to ensure No Child is Left Behind.
The three days Pacific ECD forum was held from the 22 to 24 February with the theme ‘Building a Resilient Blue Pacific Through Early Childhood Development’.
The delegation will arrive back in the country on Sunday.
ENDS///
By Fredrick Kusu
Nadi, Fiji