Garissa County has intensified its efforts to strengthen Early Childhood Development (ECD) by rolling out a comprehensive sensitisation forum on the Nurturing Care Framework (NCF).
The model is globally recognised for supporting holistic growth in young children.
The Department of Early Childhood Education convened the one-day forum in Garissa, bringing together 85 ECDE teachers, five education officers, and eight Ministry of Health sub-county officers.
The training aimed to deepen understanding of the NCF and enhance its implementation across the county’s early learning centres.
Participants were taken through the five pillars of the Nurturing Care Framework: Good Health, Adequate Nutrition, Responsive Caregiving, Safety and Security, and Opportunities for Early Learning, each essential for supporting optimal child development during the early years.
Officials emphasised that adopting the framework would help ensure that children in Garissa receive holistic support both at home and in school, particularly in communities where vulnerabilities are common.
The sensitisation forum was conducted in partnership with UNICEF Kenya, a key supporter of Garissa’s efforts to improve early childhood education outcomes.
The collaboration reflects the county’s commitment to providing young learners with strong foundations for lifelong learning and well-being.
According to the Department of Early Childhood Education, the initiative marks an important step toward strengthening ECDE systems, improving coordination between education and health sectors, and equipping teachers with the skills needed to nurture children effectively.