The number of children accessing Early Childhood Development (ECD) services in Malawi has improved by 5 percent in the year ending compared to the same period last year.

The Executive Director of the Association of Early Childhood Development in Malawi Archie Malisita, has attributed the increase to concerted efforts with stakeholders.

Malisita however said there is still need for more investments towards the initiative.

“We need concerted efforts in sending children to ECD centers in order to widen children’s academic knowledge, and help them to become productive citizens,” Malisita told YFM.

Malisita further urged parents to send their children to ECD services including those who are physically challenged.

He also bemoaned lack of proper structures for learning saying this is one stumbling block facing ECD in Malawi.

“These children learn in dilapidated places and teachers that are trained to teach these children they always run off to private institutions in order to get paid,” Malisita added.

He urged different organizations to work hand in hand with the association in improving the learning environment for the children.

Over one million children benefit from Early Childhood Development services in Malawi.