Research has affirmed the criticality of investing in a child’s early years between 0-8 years, particularly during the first 1000 days starting from the conception period, as this period is pivotal for the mental and physical growth of a child, in response to their environment. Recognizing this significance, a collaborative effort has been initiated by the State, involving the A’chik Baptist Dalgipa Krima (ABDK) faith leaders in the Garo Hills region and community members. This initiative aims to foster holistic child development and establish supportive environments for parents. ABDK faith leaders have partnered with the Meghalaya Early Childhood Development (ECD) Mission to cultivate comprehensive environments for children and adolescents, alongside nurturing ecosystems conducive to responsible parenting within their communities.
A two-day training program, held between March 12th-13th, 2024, brought together 45 faith leaders inclusive of both men and women representatives from 17 Krimas (associations) affiliated with ABDK from all over Meghalaya held at the Mission Compound in Tura, West Garo Hills. The training aimed to familiarize Church leaders with fundamental ECD concepts, emphasizing the critical importance of investing in the early childhood period. The interfaith networks participated and were involved in a series of activities such as Sensitization and Capacity building on Nurturing Care, the concept of ECD as well as on positive parenting. The Church leaders are undergoing training in various ECD concepts, which they will then disseminate within their own platforms as master trainers. One of the Pastors, Mr. Balsrang A Sangma, Pastor of Cherangre Baptist Church, Tura expressed his excitement about extending ECD education to urban and rural settings, ensuring accessibility for all. He also highlighted the Church’s enthusiasm for organizing such programs within their congregations.
“We are thrilled to witness the Church initiating such meaningful programmes within our congregations. Moreover, with our Krima leaders undergoing training to become Master Trainers in ECD concepts, it’s truly exciting. This development enables us to leverage our own Krima leaders to disseminate the message about the significance of ECD to a broader audience, spanning both urban and rural areas, thus ensuring accessibility for all,” he expressed. He also added that children from all religious backgrounds must benefit from these teachings. “Let’s not limit this education to only Christians, but also to the Songsareks (Garo Traditional Animist Religion)”, the Pastor added.
During the training session, the Development Commissioner & Principal Secretary- Social Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya, Mr Sampath Kumar, IAS spoke about the critical significance of early childhood development (ECD), emphasizing that 90% of brain growth occurs within the first five years of life and 50% of brain growth occurs immediately after birth. He further emphasized the importance of comprehensive care for both the mother and the infant. He also mentioned that within the initial 1000 days, 75% of brain development transpires, necessitating the establishment of robust neurological connections, through a healthy nurturing environment for the child.
He emphasized the point that the child begins to develop right from the time of their conception in the mother’s womb and this lays the foundation for the child; ‘s future. “It is a simple change that can have a big impact on how we understand time and life’s beginnings”, he added.
Kumar further emphasized the need for active promotion of awareness regarding early childhood development among young individuals. “We need to actively promote awareness of early childhood development among young individuals. It is best to engage youths as educators to spread this crucial knowledge. Additionally, we should also consider establishing family schools in villages as a means of fostering holistic development within our communities,” Kumar emphasized.
As the ECD training programme drew to a close, ABDK conveyed their alignment with the mission of ECD, noting its resonance with the Church’s own mission. They expressed their longstanding commitment to similar ideals through their faith-based initiatives and showed eagerness to partner with the Government of Meghalaya in interventions to further the ECD Mission.
It may be mentioned that the Development Commissioner also visited Sonabil, Garobadha, in South West Garo Hills District and Rongram in West Garo Hills to raise awareness about key priority missions such as the Rescue Mission and Chief Minister’s Safe Motherhood scheme. They also focus on initiatives like the importance of the Village Health Council (VHC) formation, Early Childhood Development (ECD) Mission, and Housing Mission. The Principal Secretary concluded the convention with heartfelt remarks. He posed thought-provoking inquiries at the session, urging them to consider implementing similar initiatives across the extensive network of 2966 Churches.
