National Task Force Chairperson for Early Childhood Development Advocacy and Finance, Reverend Nase Chunga, has reiterated that call for district councils to prioritise funding for ECD programmes, describing them a strategic investment in Malawi’s human capital and future socio-economic development.

Chunga made the call in Thyolo on Wednesday during an advocacy meeting with key stakeholders aimed at strengthening ECD initiatives and pushing for their inclusion in local development planning and budgets.

He said ECD centres are critical for children’s cognitive, emotional and social development, but the sector faces major challenges. 

These include inadequate infrastructure in rural areas and lack of formal pay for caregivers, which he said undermines service quality and sustainability.

“Increased public investment in ECD will not only improve children’s learning outcomes, but also build self-reliant communities by reducing dependency on external support,” Chunga said.

Thyolo-Thekerani MP Mabvuto Sandram Scott pledged continued support, stressing that investing in young children is key to sustainable community development. 

Meanwhile, Director of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Feda M'bwana said the council is mobilising resources and forging partnerships to strengthen ECD. 

She added that efforts are underway to revive and expand centres in rural communities where some facilities have gone dormant due to resource constraints.