Only 17% of children in the Kunene Region have access to Early Childhood Development centres (ECDs).

The low percentage highlights the need for greater investment and a joint visit by the government, the European Union (EU) and UNICEF. Opuwo aims to assess the early childhood development programmes and strengthen support for carers and educators.

The delegation began its field mission at Etati Preschool in the Orutjandja informal settlement, where it engaged the community on the Right Start Parenting Programme.

EU Ambassador Ana-Beatriz Martins highlighted the gap in access to early childhood education, noting that Kunene remains below the national average.

"I am pleased to be here in Kunene because the need is so huge, and the challenges to get children into that education range are a huge one. The average access of children to ECDs in Namibia is 24%, and here it is 17%, so there is a lot to do."

UNICEF Representative to Namibia Samuel Ocran emphasised that increasing access is critical.

"We want every child wherever they are to be in a centre because the early years of the child are so critical to the child's development; that is why we pay particular attention to that."

The Executive Director, Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Lydia Indombo, explained that the Right Start Campaign equips parents and carers with knowledge on childcare and co-parenting while also addressing gender-based violence.

With EU support, instant porridge is also provided at ECD centres to strengthen children's nutrition and encourage attendance.

"We talk of the 100 days of existence of a child and how parents should co-parent and raise children and also the issue of gender-based violence that is taking place in our communities."

The Deputy Executive Director of the Ministry of Education, Edda Bohn, highlighted the importance of the first years of life in preparing children for future learning.

"This also included an emphasis on inclusive practice that children with disabilities should not be shamed but should be brought to ECD centres, as well as that any persons living with disabilities are included in the programme."

Stakeholders say expanding early childhood development is not only about getting children into classrooms but also about giving them the foundation to learn, thrive and shape a better future.

The delegation will also visit ECDs in and around Opuwo, the paediatric ward at the Opuwo District Hospital and engage regional and local authorities.