By Albert Allotey
Accra, Nov. 13, GNA – The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in collaboration with the Centre for Learning and Childhood Development-Ghana and Elma Foundation has launched Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Dashboard.
The Dashboard is an innovative, user-friendly tool designed to enhance programming, advocacy, and decision-making to improve the development of children at the national and sub-national levels.
The innovation forms part of the initiative: “Children in all policies (2030)” led by the World Health Organisation, UNICEF and the University College of London.
It would provide robust support and commitment in implementing the ECCD policy.
Madam Dakoa Newman, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection in a speech read for her said the launch of the Dashboard was a call to action and urged stakeholders, including government agencies, non-government organisations, community leaders, educators, and parents, to utilize it to build a brighter future for every child in Ghana.
“Let us commit ourselves to maximize the potential of this innovation, so together we create a nurturing environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive,” she stated.
The Minister expressed gratitude to partners, stakeholders, and dedicated team members who worked tirelessly to make the dashboard a reality.
“Together, we are making a transformative impact on the lives of Ghanaian children and creating a future that prioritizes their rights, health, and well-being,“ she noted.
Dr Afisah Zakaria, the Director of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in a welcoming address said the innovative platform marked a significant milestone in the nation’s commitment to ensure the well-being and prosperity of children.
“The launch of this Dashboard demonstrates our dedication to enhance child survival and health, promote quality education and learning, protect children from violence, exploitation and abuse; and support families and communities in caring for their children,” she observed.
She stated: “This platform will foster accountability, transparency and effective resource allocation. It will also facilitate knowledge sharing, best practices and innovation in childhood care and development.”
Dr Kwame Sakyi, the Director of Centre for Learning and Childhood Development stated, in a presentation, that the Dashboard is a dynamic tool to monitor, support, invest and allocate resources effectively in early childhood initiatives nationwide.
“It is accessible and easy to use, will equip policy makers, advocates, and stakeholders with reliable data and insights that are essential for strategic decision-making,” he said.
He said the innovation aligned with Ghana’s Early Childhood Care and Development Policy, a comprehensive framework that places the needs, rights, and development of youngest citizens at its core.
GNA