Republic of Mauritius- Mauritius among leading African countries in Early Childhood Education and Development, states Education Minister

Minister Dookun-Luchoomun highlighted that, in Mauritius, there is a link between the Ministry of Education and Human Resources, Tertiary Education and Scientific Research, and other Ministries and departments such as the Ministry of Health and Quality of Life and the Child Development Unit of the Ministry of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare, which ensures good early childhood development. However, the diverse expertise of every participant in the cluster meeting is essential so as to further enhance early childhood education and development across the African continent, she added.

The Education Minister underscored that political leaders around the world have pledged to ensure that by the end of 2030, all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for future education. She also recalled that, last year, at the Pan African high level conference on education, African leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to integrate policies pertaining to early childhood development, care, and education, as well as finance Early Childhood Education and Development programmes.

For her part, Dr Njenga underlined that, in order to implement the Continental Education Strategy for Africa and to make sure that all stakeholders are onboard, the African Union Commission has established a cluster mechanism for every important thematic area. The early childhood cluster, launched six months ago, is one of the most important ones as it concerns the foundation of education and training, intellectual development, and human development in general, she added.

Early Childhood Education and Development Cluster meeting

The Early Childhood Education and Development Cluster meeting is being held on the 21 and 22 March 2019 and comprises participants from some 16 African countries. The key objectives of the meeting are to form a Technical Committee for the cluster with terms of references; develop the 2019-2020 work plan; and share knowledge and experience.