Africa-Press – Mauritius. A two-day workshop on Technical Assistance and Information Exchange Instrument (TAIEX) in partner countries and territories, covered by the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (INTPA), aiming to review the Early Childhood Development policy and guidelines and the regulations for Child Day Care Centres, is being held from 16 to 17 August 2023 at Le Jadis Beach Resort & Wellness in Balaclava.
The Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mrs Kalpana Devi Koonjoo-Shah, and the Chargé d’Affaires of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Mauritius, Ms Manuela Riccio, attended the workshop, yesterday, with the objectives of meeting the participants from various institutions and taking stock of their reflections on the way forward.
In her address, Minister Koonjoo-Shah reiterated Government’s determination and commitment to promote an inclusive and equitable early childhood development in the country.
“Our children represent the bedrock of our society and it is our responsibility as policy makers to provide necessary guidance, education and infrastructure for a future that eradicates disparity and fosters inclusiveness,” she stated.
“Early childhood,” she underlined, “is the cornerstone of our nation’s future and prosperity, and is at the core of the nation’s development.
” “Young children are the future of tomorrow and they need to grow up in a society that cherishes their potential and provides necessary policies for them to flourish,” she said.
“Gender equality,” stated the Minister, “is fundamental as it ensures a conducive environment where every child, regardless of their gender, can access education and achieve their determination.
She also spoke of the important role of parents, caregivers and the community at large in providing an optimal environment for child’ growth and empowerment, adding that the Ministry was undertaking a holistic approach to tackle existing challenges, improve policies and invest in the training of educators and innovative teaching methods.
“Government,” she emphasised, “is constantly working towards promoting all our children’s best interests by investing in the Contribution Sociale Généralisée (CSG), Child Allowance and the Independence Allowance.
” “These support measures,” she mentioned, “will assist the population, in particular parents, in difficult times and empower children by removing financial barriers in line with the vision to provide equal opportunities to all.
Minister Koonjoo-Shah thanked the EU for its technical assistance in supporting early childhood institutions and day care centres so that they delivered their duties diligently and better responded to the needs of all children.
As for Ms Riccio, she highlighted that the TAIEX mobilised EU Member States’ public sector experts to provide short-term technical support in response to requests from public institutions in partner countries.
It also aims to strengthen national development policy context and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, in line with the EU commitments to the Agenda 2030.
She underscored the importance of facilitating equity and access to the fundamental right to education while stressing that reviewing policies and reinforcing the existing system on child day care and education would better support young children to grow and flourish.
“It will also help foster social integration and inclusiveness for children regardless of their backgrounds,” she added.
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