The Meghalaya Early Childhood Development (ECD) Mission, in collaboration with UNICEF Maharashtra, organized a two-day intensive training workshop from April 23–24, 2025 aimed at deepening understanding and strengthening action around Early Childhood Development (ECD).
The primary goal was to build the capacities of district and block-level officials from key departments—including Health & Family Welfare, Social Welfare, and the State Resource Centre for Disability Affairs (SRCDA)—alongside development partners and frontline practitioners. The workshop centered on holistic early childhood interventions, particularly during the First 1000 Days and the critical Next 1000 Days, both recognized as foundational windows for a child’s cognitive, emotional, and physical development.
Mission Focus Areas
* Understanding Nurturing Care Framework
* Maternal and Child Nutrition: including dietary needs during pregnancy, exclusive breastfeeding, and complementary feeding
* Monitoring and Addressing Growth Faltering
* The 4Ds: Defects at birth, Diseases, Deficiencies, and Developmental Delays
* Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) strategies, with a deep dive into the Meghalaya SBCC case study
* Multisectoral collaboration for early detection and intervention
Key Highlights and Impact
The sessions emphasized the importance of evidence-based and culturally responsive approaches to child development. A standout moment was the presentation of Meghalaya’s SBCC case study, showcasing the state’s contextual, data-driven communication strategies in addressing malnutrition, improving feeding practices, and fostering community engagement. The workshop fostered cross-sectoral learning and set the stage for stronger inter-departmental convergence, reinforcing the state’s vision for a robust, inclusive, and nurturing ecosystem for every child.
This capacity-building initiative reflects Meghalaya’s ongoing commitment to delivering quality early childhood services, aligning with global best practices and local realities. With continued collaboration and innovation, the state aims to become a model for early childhood development in India.