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Grenada Takes Lead in Integrated Early Childhood Development with UNICEF Consultation

17 January 2024

group of men and women standing together smiling in the lobby of a hotel for a group photo — Caption: Grenada takes the lead in an integrated Early Childhood Development (ECD) initiative with UNICEF; Participants stand united for a group photo in the lobby of the Spice Island Beach Resort, Grand Anse, symbolizing a collaborative effort to address holistic child development and bring hope to the broader Eastern Caribbean sub-region.

Photo: © UNICEF/Kareem Smith

Stakeholders across various sectors in will this year be united by a common goal: the wellbeing of children in their early years. 

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Officials from various government ministries, non-governmental organisations, academics, law enforcement, parents and teachers recently gathered at the Spice Island Beach Resort to discuss a new integrated approach to early childhood development (ECD). 

The integrated ECD model pursues a coordinated approach to address the physical, social, emotional, cognitive thinking and language progression of each young individual. 

"As UNICEF, we believe we can no longer look at child development in silos,” said UNICEF ECD Specialist Shelly-Ann Harper.

“We really recognise that a child who is going to do well in life needs to be living in safe environments, not suffering from stress or being exposed to high levels of violence and trauma,” she added. 

UNICEF Latin America and Caribbean Regional Office (LACRO) Early Childhood Development Manager Yannig Dussart set the stage for the consultations by providing an overview of the state of ECD regionally and globally, with an emphasis on UNICEF's nurturing care framework. This framework highlights the importance of five key areas for optimal child development: good health, adequate nutrition, responsive caregiving, opportunities for learning and play, and protection from harm.

Following Dussart's presentation, Harper delivered a diagnostic review of the status of ECD in Grenada. This review served as a springboard for participants to engage in breakout group discussions on critical issues like addressing the needs of young children with disabilities, the removal of children from the home, and supporting children living in severe poverty. 

Chief Social Development Officer at the Ministry of Social Development Delroy Date, expressed his conviction that "many of the children who are often left behind and are at risk would also be captured and have a better future because of this initiative."

UNICEF/KSmith

Delroy Date - Chief Social Development Officer, Ministry of Social Development

Javon Bartholemew, a teacher at Corinth Government School, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the impact the initiative could have on educators. 

"I think as teachers, we get to directly see some of the gaps that exist in terms of child development... This initiative will help us to be more proactive rather than reactive,” he said. 

UNICEF/KSmith

Javon Bartholemew, teacher, Corinth Government School

Harper explained that Grenada was chosen because of the island’s solid foundation in ECD and investment in the private and public sectors. 

The consultation marked the beginning of an eight-month data and information collection process. The drafting of the integrated ECD strategy is set to begin in August 2024 with the goal of providing young children with the nurturing care they need to thrive and reach their full potential.

This initiative not only holds immense promise for the children of Grenada but also serves as a beacon of hope for the entire Eastern Caribbean sub-region.