By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
Njala University has introduced Pre-Service Early Childhood Care Education (ECCE) at undergraduate level in the Teacher Education department, school of Education, Bo Campus.
Early Childhood Education (ECE) which is also referred to as Pre-Primary Nursery School, Preschool, and Early Childhood Development (ECD) is one of the post-war Njala University intervention strategies that has served as a ‘bedrock to the Government of Sierra Leone’s sustainable human capital development.
The Public Relations Officer of Njala University Ayuba Koroma said Childhood Education has been traditionally provided by adults who are given tokens by parents especially working mothers, as a form of salary. He said it is an established University programme that combines learning with fun. “It focuses on educating children from the ages 0-8 years by trained professionals and gears towards the holistic development of the child, thereby preparing them for further learning,’’ he said
A notice published by the University, states that the sector of education has gotten firm root with the adoption of the Child Right Act, the White Paper of the Gbamanjah investigation, and the Sustainable Development Goals. “The sector aims at gaining recognition from many private entities thus, the establishment of its governing body, Nursery School Association (NSA) which is acknowledged by the Government of Sierra Leone with some governmental commitments,’’ the statement reads in part.
The Unit Head at Njala University, Yewah E. Minah noted that ECCE is a stepping stone for the development of good citizenry, lessening the risk of school dropout, and boosting children’s academic success up to higher learning. She added that the sector helps children acquire skills such as independence, self-confidence, sharing, eating habits, cooperation and teamwork. ‘’The sector will help strengthen children's language skills, increase the equity of education outcomes, and reduce cost for the nation in terms of loss of talent and public spending on social, health, and justice systems,’’ she said.
Minah went on to note that job opportunities in ECCE are diverse across Ministries and Non-Governmental Organizations, noting that if given adequate support, the ECCE centre will stand to be a beacon for education of minors across the country.
Copyright © 2022 Politico (09/02/22)
