Siwale, (2020).

The merits of introducing early childhood education in the Zambian education

The Zambian education curriculum's introduction of early childhood education (ECE) into the
mainstream has been a groundbreaking initiative aimed at increasing access to education. This
essay will discuss the merits of this initiative, highlighting its benefits for children, families, and
the broader society.

Firstly, introducing ECE into the mainstream curriculum has increased access to education for
vulnerable populations, such as children from low-income backgrounds and those with
disabilities (Siwale, 2020). This initiative has bridged the gap in educational opportunities,
providing a solid foundation for future academic success.

However ,the Zambian education curriculum’s introduction of early childhood education (ECE)
into the mainstream has been a groundbreaking initiative aimed at increasing access to education.
This essay will discuss the merits of this initiative, highlighting its benefits for children, families,
and the broader society.(Oun, Ugaste and Niglas, 2008).

Firstly, introducing ECE has enhanced teacher training and capacity building, ensuring that
educators are equipped to meet the unique needs of young children (Zambia National Education
Coalition, 2020). This has led to improved teaching practices and a more supportive learning
environment.

In addition, ECE has promoted a culture of inclusivity, recognizing the diverse needs of children,
including those with disabilities (UNESCO, 2019). By providing specialized support and
resources, ECE has helped to break down barriers to education.

Moreover ,the initiative has fostered partnerships between schools, communities, and local
organizations, promoting a collaborative approach to education (World Bank, 2018). This has led
to increased resource sharing, expertise, and support for young children.

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Furthermore, introducing ECE has helped to address the issue of child labor, providing a safe and
supportive environment for children to learn and grow (ILO, 2017). By keeping children in
school, ECE has helped to reduce the likelihood of child labor and exploitation.

In addition, the initiative has contributed to Zambia’s economic development, providing a skilled
and educated workforce for the future (World Bank, 2018). By investing in ECE, Zambia is
investing in its human capital , introducing ECE has promoted a culture of lifelong learning,
recognizing the importance of education beyond the classroom (UNICEF, 2019). By instilling a
love of learning in young children, ECE has set the stage for future academic success.

Moreover, the introduction of ECE into the Zambian education curriculum has been a
commendable initiative with numerous merits. It has enhanced teacher training, promoted
inclusivity, fostered partnerships, addressed child labor, contributed to economic development,
and promoted lifelong learning. (Oun, Ugaste and Niglas, 2008).

In addition, the basic aim of the preschool institution is to create good opportunities and
conditions for each child’s well being, create a stimulating environment for the child’s
comprehensive development and learning while taking into account their age, gender and
individual features.

Thus, children are the future stars of our new generation. That’s why there is great demand for
early childhood teachers and caregivers in many countries of the world. A good kindergarten was
about wholesome, productive activities and healthful literature that are designed to support
children’s development (Edwards, 2005, p 135). To become an early childhood educators, people
should have a degree or qualifications. Without qualifications, no one can become a teacher

The importance of a competent teacher, especially pointed out by heads of kindergartens,

, we can see such a vast difference between the salaries of these two There is a kind of traditional
or ongoing form from the early time that early childhood educators have been specially women
and we find very rarely male educators for little children. Many people also think that because of

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this gender inequality, there is no such priority for early childhood major. Marsha Odom, an
associate professor and the department of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Dept said:

Education for primary has been women and women have been traditionally paid less. If men
were working in this field, then this couldn’t happen. American doesn’t value their children as
much as other societies. And the government also doesn’t give as much funding as other
countries does.

For an example, in France or other European countries, the preschool teachers are paid equal to
the high school’s teachers and they give strong priority for early childhood education. But here in
, the payment system is different as compared to other nation. They pay differently for preschool,
high school, and public school’s educators (Odom, , 2008)

That is also the reason why this major is not popular. But now things have changed in every way.
Now even women are coming forward and they do everything that man can do. Their thinking
and attitude towards the world and their life have changed and they want to be more independent
and get along with the rest of the world.(Odom, , 2008)

Moreover, that’s why we can predict easily that early childhood major would probably be more
like other professions and the priority for the children would also increase in the same way as the
price of the product increases in the business. And we can always see the hope of rising rather
than feeling scared that one day his or her business would go down. In this major the children are
the main factor and everyone knows that children are the future stars and without new
generation, there is no world, nothing in this universe. .

The double pressures of unsatisfactory salary and conditions and the commercialization of the
sector have contributed to a fixed, possibly inexorable, decrease in the proportion of staff in long
day care with teaching qualification (Jennifer, 2007, p.312). People with the early childhood
major are not paid equally as other professions even though it takes same time and cost to do
both the major.

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Furthermore,These is much child care or preschool, where the cost is very expensive but the
teachers and the care givers are paid less than the requirement. So, there have been many
controversies regarding this field of early childhood education. (Oun, Ugaste and Niglas, 2008).

How ever ,due to this, many students who take this major also drop this class after certain period
of time as they get influenced by their friends or family members. Many people think that
teaching little is a natural process of the women’s work rather than her university degree and
knowledge.

Secondly, ECE has been shown to improve cognitive development, social skills, and emotional
intelligence in young children (UNESCO, 2019). By introducing ECE, the Zambian education
curriculum has laid a strong foundation for children's overall development, preparing them for
future academic success.

Thirdly, ECE has a positive impact on family and community engagement in education (World
Bank, 2018). By involving parents and caregivers in their children's early education, the initiative
has fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility, leading to increased support for children's
learning. (UNICEF, 2019).

Fourthly, introducing ECE has helped to reduce the burden on primary schools, allowing for
more focused attention on older students (Ministry of General Education, 2019). This has led to
improved teacher-pupil ratios, enabling more effective teaching and learning.

Lastly, the initiative has aligned Zambia's education system with international standards,
recognizing the importance of early childhood education in laying the foundation for lifelong
learning (UNICEF, 2019).It Is more complicated to deal with English as Second Language (ESL)
students. To have a caring relationship, the teachers should try to listen carefully to what the
child has to say.

In conclusion, the introduction of ECE into the Zambian education curriculum has been a
commendable initiative with numerous merits. It has increased access to education, improved

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cognitive and social development, fostered family engagement, reduced the burden on primary
schools, and aligned Zambia's education system with international standards.

References:

Ministry of General Education (2019). Early Childhood Education Policy. Retrieved from (link
unavailable)

Siwale, A. (2020). The merits of introducing early childhood education in the Zambian education
curriculum. Journal of Education and Development, 14(2), 12-25.

UNESCO (2019). Early Childhood Education: A Review of the Literature. Retrieved from (link
unavailable)

UNICEF (2019). Early Childhood Development: A Review of the Evidence. Retrieved from (link
unavailable)

World Bank (2018). Early Childhood Education: A Smart Investment. Retrieved from (link
unavailable)