8 July 

Early childhood care and development should be carried out in conjunction with child protection, said Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Dr Win Myat Aye in Kayah State yesterday.

Speaking to parents and childcare workers about the early childhood care and development project, the Union Minister explained the goal of the meeting, saying, “Parents, families, childcare teachers, departmental personnel, MPs and public should have awareness of the project and should work in cohesion.”

“Everyone needs knowledge of the law, rules and regulations adopted for early childhood care and development and the provisions of the UN Convention in connection with child rights,” he pointed out.

Committees at all levels were implementing the early childhood care and development project under the leadership of the Supervisory Committee for Early Childhood Care and Development and the National Committee on Protection of Child Rights, Dr Win Myat Aye explained.

“According to the project, children are in the early childhood till they reach the age of eight years,” the Union Minister said, and added that Kayah State was covered by personal hygiene and family education project, which also involved the task of providing financial aid to expectant mothers and their babies up to two years. “The project ensures optimum neurodevelopment during the first 1000 days of life,” he noted, adding, “The country has parent circles for children up to three years, government-run, self-help and private preprimary schools for children up to five years in providing child care and protection.” The Union Minister highlighted the systematic supervision and responsibility and accountability of personnel concerned at different levels of work.

The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement has set up hotlines, 067-3404222 and 067-3404999, for any requirements or complaints.

Participants then put forward requirements in opening self-reliant and private preprimary schools, discussed areas where government assistance is needed and shared means to protect children against sexual violence and legal punishment against the crime.

The Union Minister, the deputy minister, the minister concerned of Kayah State and officials looked into their requirements.

MNA (Translated by TMT)