A facilitator during the training at one of the ECD centres.
Chipembere Community Development Organization (CCDO) conducted a series of capacity-building trainings for 30 Early Childhood Development (ECD) committee members across Mikate, Nkalozwa, and Nchilamwera in Thyolo district.
Held over two days at each centre, the sessions aimed to empower local committees with essential knowledge and skills to sustain ECD centers and effectively support caregivers in delivering quality care and early learning to children.
During the sessions, CCDO’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Felix Mnoniwa, stressed the need for community ownership, noting that when communities lead the management of ECD centers, the facilities are more likely to flourish and meet the developmental needs of children.
“Chipembere believes that when communities take ownership of these centers, they are more likely to thrive and meet the needs of children effectively,” he said while addressing participants at Mikate ECD Centre.
Sandrina Chaplain, CCDO’s Project Officer, expressed optimism that the training would not only improve centre management but also inspire committees to explore income-generating activities that can support ongoing operations.
At Nkalozwa ECD Centre, facilitator Davie Ramses highlighted the importance of the intervention, stating, “There’s a clear knowledge gap among committee members, which has been affecting the running of these centers. This training came at just the right time.”
Caregivers and local leaders echoed this sentiment. One caregiver at Mikate, Kissmet Mwenda described the sessions as “crucial,” adding that they are already seeing improvements in how care is being delivered.
Village Head Nkalozwa also praised CCDO’s efforts, noting that in the past, many children missed out on early learning opportunities due to the absence of local centers.
To further support early childhood learning, CCDO constructed two new centers at Mikate and Nkalozwa and renovated an existing structure at Nchilamwera.
Each facility received 40 chairs, bringing the total distribution to 120 chairs. The new centers are designed to accommodate up to 80 young children each, offering safe, inclusive spaces for play, learning, and development.
CCDO staff, facilitators, and committee members posing for a group photo after the training at Nkalozwa.
Children seated comfortably and enjoying their new chairs at Nchiramwela ECD Centre.