Research has affirmed the criticality of investing in a child’s early life between 0-8 years, particularly during the first 1,000 days from conception as this period is pivotal for the mental and physical growth of a child in response to their environment.
Recognising this significance, a collaborative effort has been initiated by the state, involving the A’chik Baptist Dalgipa Krima (ABDK) faith leaders in the Garo Hills and community members. This initiative aims to foster holistic child development and establish supportive environments for parents.
ABDK faith leaders have partnered with the Meghalaya Early Childhood Development (ECD) Mission to cultivate comprehensive environments for children and adolescents, alongside nurturing ecosystems conducive to responsible parenting within their communities.
A two-day training programme, held on March 12-13, brought together 45 faith leaders from 17 associations (Krima) affiliated with ABDK from all over Meghalaya to Tura. The training aimed to familiarise church leaders with fundamental ECD concepts, emphasising the critical importance of investing in the early childhood period.
The interfaith networks participated and were involved in a series of activities such as sensitisation and capacity building on nurturing care, the concept of ECD as well as on positive parenting. The church leaders are undergoing training in various ECD concepts, which they will then disseminate within their own platforms as master trainers.
One of the pastors, Balsrang A Sangma, expressed his excitement about extending ECD education to urban and rural settings, ensuring accessibility for all. He also highlighted the church’s enthusiasm for organising such programmes within their congregations.
“We are thrilled to witness the Church initiating such meaningful programmes within our congregations. Moreover, with our Krima leaders undergoing training to become master trainers in ECD concepts, it’s truly exciting,” Rev Sangma said. “This development enables us to leverage our own Krima leaders to disseminate the message about the significance of ECD to a broader audience, spanning both urban and rural areas, thus ensuring accessibility for all.”
During the training session, the Development Commissioner and Principal Secretary in the Social Welfare Department, Sampath Kumar, spoke about the critical significance of ECD, emphasising that 90 percent of brain growth occurs within the first five years of life and 50 percent of brain growth occurs immediately after birth. He further underscored the importance of comprehensive care for both mother and infant.
