Ensuring a Policy Supportive Environment

Over the last three or four decades, nearly all countries in sub-Saharan Africa have developed and implemented various forms of sector-specific activities to promote early childhood development (ECD). These activities have assisted a great many children, especially at the time when they enter the school system. However, most of these programs face problems of poor quality, inequitable distribution and inadequate resources. Today, it is urgent to adopt more holistic policies that encompass health, nutrition, water and hygiene, care, stimulation, learning, social protection and the self-sufficiency of families and communities, so that children can realize their full potential. This paper demonstrates the important link between the improvement of ECD programs in Africa and success in the international commitments given by African governments. Advocacy to mobilize the commitment and political will of governments is crucial, since these are what create a context conducive to the expansion of ECD programs