The Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare says that even though the foundation has been laid for early childhood development, there is still room for improvement.

Dr Emma Kantema stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement during a familiarization visit to the ministry's various projects at Rundu.

This is one of the success stories related to early childhood development in Kaisosi, Rundu.

Established 26 years ago, this ECD center started under a tree.

Today, it's a fully-fledged center serving as a stimulating environment for the young ones.

The Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare says the foundation has been established, and it's now up to the government to deliver on the promises made.

"To ensure we integrate ECD into pre-primary and the education system. This assignment the ministry has started running with; we have what we call a functional assessment. The report is nearing completion; it was done, and we now have to gather with our stakeholders, the Ministry of Education. We need to sit and see how we can take on this function of integrating it into pre-primary."

Kantema says there is a need to improve the amount of support given to ECDs in terms of equipment aid, nutrition, and subsidies.

"It's an opportunity to see how we will improve it, and then there is also the issue that we need to look at in terms of nutrition because nutrition is very important, and when it comes to brain development, children, and concentration, it's paramount that we also look at it in that aspect. The subsidies we also give to community ECDs provide them with that boost that they need to fully function. Parents might not have the funds to pay the fees that are requested from ECDs."

Apart from ECD centers, the minister also visited Kayowo Trading CC, a local business owned by Rozita Tjilunda. She's a carpenter who has benefited from the Ministry of Gender's various projects.

These benefits include training, equipment aid, and marketing opportunities.

A VTC graduate, Tjilunda employs 13 locals and is looking to relocate her business, as she has run out of space.

Kantema is urging other young people to watch out for opportunities available, not only from the Ministry of Gender but various other stakeholders.

"In the current budget tabled in Parliament for 2025-2026, there is a provision of a 200 million youth fund that was made in order for us to provide financial access, which will ultimately culminate in financial inclusivity."