MALAWI: Mulanje Urged to Boost Early Childhood Funding as Shortage of Qualified Caregivers Persists

By Smile Hamilton

Authorities at Mulanje District Council and other stakeholders have been urged to increase investment in Early Childhood Development (ECD), amid concerns that inadequate funding continues to affect the growth and well-being of young children.

The call was made during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Mulanje by Rev. Nase Chunga, National Task Force Chairperson for ECD Advocacy and Finance, who emphasized the need for greater financial support for programmes that promote children’s health, nutrition, education and protection during their formative years.

Speaking during the meeting, Chunga said Malawi’s current socio-economic challenges make it even more critical to invest in young children, noting that early interventions can lead to improved educational outcomes, reduced poverty and long-term national development.

“Enhanced collaboration among government institutions, development partners, the private sector and local communities can help strengthen ECD services and ensure that children receive the support they need to thrive,” said Chunga.

Vice Council Chairperson for Mulanje District, Humphreys Mchenga, acknowledged the importance of early childhood development and pledged continued collaboration with partners to improve access to quality ECD services across the district.

Mchenga said investing in ECD remains key to building a strong foundation for children’s future success and the country’s overall development.

According to district statistics, Mulanje currently has 1,898 caregivers serving ECD centres. However, only 322 are qualified, representing less than one-fifth of the workforce.

Of the qualified caregivers, only 87 receive an honorarium, highlighting ongoing challenges in staffing, motivation and the delivery of quality early childhood development services

in the district.