To strengthen community-led early childhood development (ECD) initiatives, the State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BAKDIL, the social service wing of the Catholic Diocese of Tura.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma during an ECD inaugural programme held at St. Luke’s Church, Tura.
The agreement formalizes a two-year collaboration between the Meghalaya Early Childhood Development Mission (MECDM) and BAKDIL to promote nurturing care, maternal health, and early learning across the five districts of Garo Hills.
The partnership aims to integrate ECD concepts into premarital courses, church gatherings, and community outreach, leveraging the trusted position of religious institutions. The collaboration will also engage Parish Priests, Village Catechists, Pocharoks, and Touring Sisters to work alongside MECDM.
Sangma underscored the importance of situating ECD within a life-cycle approach to human development. He remarked, “This program is part of a larger picture—and that larger picture is the life of an individual, from the moment of conception to the realization of their full potential as adults.”
The Chief Minister also showcased Meghalaya’s digital governance tools, highlighting how real-time data is enabling more responsive maternal and child health interventions. He affirmed the state’s belief that investing in early years yields lasting returns, adding, “Be rest assured, what you are doing today will be a game-changer for generations to come.”
The event saw the participation of over 100 individuals, including Parish Priests, Touring Sisters, SHG representatives managed by BAKDIL, and senior officials. The welcome address by Fr. Cyril Sangma, Director, BAKDIL, traced the roots of the collaboration to field-level interactions with the Development Commissioner.
Rt. Rev. Andrew R. Marak, Bishop of Tura Diocese, reiterated the importance of collective action, stating, “It is crucial to work together for the betterment of our people.”
The event also featured a cultural performance by Balkasin SHG, who presented a hymn and their theme song to underscore the message of collective responsibility.
