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SAARC Development Fund (SDF) in collaboration with Save the Children has launched a regional project called 'Partnership for Quality Inclusive Early Childhood Development and Basic Education'. The total cost of the three-year project, jointly funded by SAARC Development Fund and Save the Children, is US$ 4.79 million.
The project will collaborate with the governments of Nepal and Bhutan, local communities, teachers, early childhood development and basic education facilitators, and children in the age group of 3 to 12 years to promote quality, inclusive early childhood development and basic education.
The Secretary General of SAARC, His Excellency Mohammad Golam Sarwar, said that the project will help Bhutan and Nepal implement their national priorities In addition to doing so, he said that he would also contribute to SAARC's poverty alleviation action plan through the promotion of equal access to education and human development. He said that the project will encourage other SAARC member countries who are facing common challenges at the community level and have the same mindset to start similar initiatives.
In Nepal, the project will be implemented in Madhesh province, where indicators of early child development are extremely poor. A recent study revealed a deep gap in infrastructure, learning materials, caregiver awareness, and disability inclusion—especially in Mahottari and Sarlahi districts, where over 53 percent of the population is illiterate.
Tara Chhetri, National Director of Save the Children Nepal and Bhutan, pointed out the need to take immediate steps for inclusive education. Project activities will focus on improving inclusive early childhood education. The project includes construction and renovation of classrooms, upgrading of drinking water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure to create a safe and accessible learning environment, provision of age-appropriate inclusive educational materials to promote early literacy at home through a family library.
