The Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare has recognized Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO) as one of the outstanding advocates in the promotion of Early Childhood Development (ECD) services in the country.

According to the ministry, YONECO is among the 75 awardees which are geared towards promoting ECD services in collaboration with the Government of Malawi.

Speaking during the official launch of the National Policy on Integrated ECD and presentation of the awards in Lilongwe, ECD National Coordinator, Francis Chalamanda said most stakeholders should emulate the gesture by the 75 awardees in order to nurture children into responsible citizens.

Chalamanda said that government alone cannot adequately manage to run ECD services, hence the need for concerted efforts from relevant stakeholders.

He added sthat it is a desire for the government to provide ECD services countrywide but there are always inadequate resources which limit government in reaching out to more children.

On her part Programme Manager for YONECO, Wezzie Mtonga Kamphale said the institution feels humbled to receive such a recognition.

She added that the institution will continue to mobilize resources and capacity development for implementation of ECD services.

“Child protection is a strategic thematic area for YONECO and the institution will remain committed to promoting ECD services in the country by aligning our interventions with priorities of Malawi government.”