Paynesville – The Liberia Early Childhood Network (LECPNET) officially launched its network Thursday, April 11, at the Paynesville City Hall. The program was attended by primary school students, teachers and partner organizations of the network.
Report by Alline Dunbar, [email protected]
Giving a special statement, the Executive Director of the LECPNET, Ruby Martin, stated that according to the 2017 inter-sectorial data on Early Childhood Development, 75 percent of all pupils, who enrolled in early learning are overage and 32 percent of children under five are stunted.
“Four out of five pregnant women, which amounts for 75 percent received four or more antenatal care; only 55 percent of children ages 12 to 23 months are fully vaccinated and prevalence of teenage pregnancy is at 31 percent.”
The network’s vision is that all young children in Liberia experience, what it termed as “holistic early stimulation” and while at the same being safe, healthy, happy and achieve their full potential.
LECPNET was established by distinguished professionals in August 2017 to buttress government’s efforts in achieving overall development for all young children from conception to eight years.
It is a non-for-profit organization comprising of social workers, nutritionists, caregivers, entrepreneurs, health and dental professionals from civil society, government, academia, the private sector, individuals and organizations providing early childhood development services to address the ultimate development of Liberia’s youngest population.
Serving as one of the launchers of the network, Madam Mai Urey applauded the organizers and officers of the network for granting her the opportunity to serve in her capacity and to be a part of the program. “I want to say to you congratulations for this holistic approach to early childhood learning.”
Madam Urey stressed that even though Liberia has a lot of priorities, education should be the number one; adding: “I think we have a lot of priority but I think education should be our number one priority.”
She pledged her unwavering support at the same time being a member of LECPNET.
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