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Iniciativa de la Primera Infancia (Early Childhood Initiative): An Investment for Life

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This project seeks to implement policies and programmes developed for early education, with the aim of providing young children proper nutrition, health care, and a stimulating environment from birth until the age of six. It is a joint initiative launched in February 2010 by the World Bank and childhood advocacy organisation, ALAS, founded by the singer Shakira.

The programme has been implemented in most countries in the region through loans or technical assistance. Argentina, Brazil, Haiti, Mexico, and Peru benefit through loans and grants. Colombia, Jamaica, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Nicaragua, among others, receive technical assistance. The countries have programmes to encourage the conditions for the growth of their youngest citizens, strengthening nutrition and health while working with mothers as a key to ensure effective progress.

Communication Strategies

The project aims to mobilise all sectors of society regarding the implementation of well articulated and efficient policies and programmes for early childhood development (ECD) that equalise opportunities for low-income children from the beginning of their lives.

 

In addition to providing funds to the participating countries, the Early Childhood Initiative works together with the ECD Secretariat for Latin America and the Caribbean, a platform founded by ALAS and the Earth Institute, including delegates of the governments of Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, and Paraguay, in order to identify best practices and pilot projects for children under 6 years of age.

 

In addition, ALAS has established an Early Childhood Development Community. Responding to the interest shown throughout the region, the Early Childhood Initiative established an open group of experts and professionals in ECD from over 17 countries to share their knowledge and discuss issues relevant ECD regularly within their own community of practice, which currently has 950 members.

Development Issues

Early Childhood Education, Nutrition, Health.

Key Points

This initiative helps the expansion of ECD programmes in the region, where 9 million children under 5 suffer from chronic malnutrition, and 22 million lack basic early care. According to World Bank data, during the first year of programme implementation, several governments in Latin America and the Caribbean received a one third of the initial commitment for the first three years of support of policies and programmes for ECD.

Partners

World Bank, ALAS.

Sources

The World Bank website and the Fundación ALAS website on January 4 2013.