By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 28: The Meghalaya Early Childhood Development Mission (MECDM) and the Social Service Centre (SSC)—the social wing of the Archdiocese of Shillong—today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to integrate early childhood development (ECD) into the state’s faith-based network.
The two-year partnership, titled “Growing Tomorrow: Early Child Development Program,” will be implemented across 47 parishes and over 1,000 villages. The initiative aims to utilize the existing parish structure to build awareness regarding the first 1,000 days of a child’s life—the period from conception to age two—which is critical for brain development.
Addressing Stunting and Development Meghalaya currently faces a child stunting rate of 46.5% among children under five, significantly higher than the national average of 35.5%. Research indicates that 90% of brain growth occurs in the first five years, making early intervention a priority for the state.
During the ceremony at Bianchi Hall, parish priests were provided with the “Mission 1000 Days Booklet” and a Faith-Based Organisation (FBO) pamphlet. These resources provide science-backed ECD knowledge for use in sermons, counseling, and community outreach.
Dr Sampath Kumar, IAS, CEO of MECDM, noted the importance of the church’s role: “The church reaches families every week. If you can encourage parents for even 15 minutes regarding how they nurture their children, it will make a significant difference.”
His Grace Most Rev. Victor Lyngdoh, Archbishop of Shillong, welcomed the collaboration. “Every child is a gift, and the church has always respected the dignity of the child from conception. We are happy to join MECDM in this effort,” he said.
Fr. Teiborlang Lyngdoh, Director of the Social Service Centre, added: “Children are like wet cement; whatever falls on them makes an impression. This is our commitment to responsible parenthood and the future of our society.”
