SHILLONG, Jan 21: The Meghalaya government on Tuesday launched the Early Childhood Development Mission to ensure the all-round holistic growth of a child in the first few years. The ambitious initiative aims to convert Anganwadi centres, primary schools, and community health centres into hubs of learning and care, fostering cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development of children from prenatal stages to adolescence.
Speaking at the launch event, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said, “Simple activities like clapping, facial expressions, and meaningful interactions between parents and children can significantly enhance cognitive and analytical abilities.”
He stressed the need to integrate resources like primary schools and community centres into the mission with minor upgrades, ensuring accessibility and impact across the state. The ECD Mission adopts a holistic approach, addressing critical aspects of child development from prenatal stages to adolescence.
Its integrated package focuses on health, nutrition, hygiene, and education, targeting three key age groups – prenatal to 3 years, 3 to 6 years, and adolescents.
The mission seeks to train functionaries at every level, from Anganwadi workers to Block Development Officers, ensuring a coordinated effort to monitor and support every child.
Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner Sampath Kumar called the mission “the first of its kind in the country.”
Speaking about its alignment with the Meghalaya Health Systems Strengthening Project, which aims to improve health outcomes across the state, he said, “This is a milestone initiative that connects care and education to empower children and families, fostering a brighter future.”
The mission is bolstered by a partnership with Sesame Workshop India, a global leader in child development. The organisation has developed an integrated content package tailored to the cultural and developmental needs of Meghalaya’s children. The resources include audio lullabies in Khasi and Garo languages, an ECD calendar with educational messages and books and early stimulation materials for young children.
The mission also incorporates values such as respect for elders, environmental consciousness, and discipline into its curriculum, aiming to raise socially responsible citizens.
The launch was attended by senior government officials, including Social Welfare Commissioner Pravin Bakshi, Director CD Lyngwa, and COO of MECDM Ronald Kynta, alongside representatives from Sesame Workshop India.
