The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC) has begun discussions on a new Integrated Early Childhood Development Policy aimed at strengthening support for young children in Namibia.

The discussions are part of preparations to transfer the early childhood development responsibility from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare to the Ministry of Education starting 1 January 2027.

Speaking at a policy meeting, early childhood development expert Jessica Brown said the transition goes beyond simply moving responsibilities between ministries.

"So it has a life and a vision far beyond the transfer of the ECD mandate. But we thought it would also be useful just to set the scene of what developments there are in terms of the ECD transfer, where we are and how this will also then impact the environment in which this policy is being developed and conceptualised."

Brown explained that the transfer is guided by the Basic Education Act of 2023, which places leadership of Early Childhood Development under the Ministry of Education once the relevant section of the law is implemented.

She said the move follows years of planning and cooperation with partners, including the European Union and UNICEF.

"So since 2024, this preparation has started. The initial transition planning was put in place, along with initial transition workshops and recommendations. Together with the ministries, the EU and UNICEF, a full functional analysis."

She emphasised that investing in early childhood is critical because most brain development happens during the early years.

"And that there's this window of opportunity to really give somebody a good foundation for their life and for their outcomes. And if we miss this window, it has lifelong impacts on the individual, on their education and health systems and on our society."

Brown says strengthening early childhood development could help reduce repetition, improve school performance and support long-term social and economic development.

Under the proposed policy, the Ministry of Education will manage ECD centres, including regulation, curriculum development and quality assurance.

However, community- and privately run centres will continue operating independently, while government support will focus on improving standards and expanding access.