Odisha Hosts National ECCE & Education Conclave to Strengthen Early Childhood Development
Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Department of Women and Child Development, in collaboration with Rocket Learning, organised the National Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) & Education Conclave in Bhubaneswar, bringing together policymakers, health experts, educators, and development partners to discuss strategies for strengthening early childhood development.
Odisha ECCE Education Conclave: A New Initiative
The two-day conclave focused on building a comprehensive framework for children aged 0-6 years by integrating nutrition, healthcare, early stimulation, responsive parenting, and play-based learning.
The event highlighted the importance of the early years in shaping a child’s cognitive, emotional, and physical development. Odisha ECCE Education Conclave: A New Initiative
Addressing the gathering, Dr Soumya Swaminathan, former WHO Deputy Director-General, emphasised that the first six years of life form the foundation for lifelong health, learning, and well-being. Odisha ECCE Education Conclave: A New Initiative
Former NITI Aayog member Dr V.K. Paul underscored the importance of strengthening the Anganwadi ecosystem and adopting a holistic approach to early childhood care and education to achieve long-term developmental outcomes.
Odisha ECCE Education Conclave: A New Initiative
During the conclave, the Women and Child Development Department launched a series of initiatives, including digital IEC materials for children aged 0-6 years, a video campaign promoting responsive parenting, and “Supalana,” a birth-to-three early childhood development programme developed by Rocket Learning.
Odisha ECCE Education Conclave: A New Initiative
Panel discussions examined key themes such as essential care and early stimulation for children aged 0-3 years, school readiness and play-based learning for children aged 3-6 years, and collaborative partnerships involving government departments, development organisations, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Odisha ECCE Education Conclave: A New Initiative
The conclave concluded with a strong call for coordinated action among stakeholders to ensure every child receives quality nutrition, healthcare, nurturing care, and early learning opportunities, thereby laying a strong foundation for future growth and development.
Odisha ECCE Education Conclave: A New Initiative
