Actress Ma Yili promotes early child care project
- By Zhang Rui
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E-mail China.org.cn, October 21, 2016
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File photo shows that renowned Chinese actress Ma Yili's visit to Liping County of Guizhou Province to learn about integrated approaches to United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Early Childhood Development (ECD) project for children 0-3. [Photo provided to China.org.cn] |
Since 2013, the project has covered 80 villages in Guizhou and Shanxi provinces. Forty community-based integrated ECD centers have been set up in disadvantaged rural areas, providing a child-friendly and safe space for carers to play with their children and develop knowledge and skills in child rearing.
In the center, one early stimulation volunteer worker works with parents, grandparents or carers, as well as the children. A parenting portal is available for parents to access information on all aspects of child development up to the age of six; an app is also available.
"The parents and grandparents I met were so actively engaged in the interaction with the children. I can tell there has been a huge change in the perception of ECD among local people," said Ma. "I never expected the project could reach such a remote and poor area."
"A child's first few years are an unprecedented opportunity to ensure the establishment of good development practices and programs that provide the foundation for life-long thriving," said Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative to China. "It requires a mix of integrated interventions and multi-sectoral involvement to ensure every child has access to good healthcare and nutrition, clean water, sanitation and hygiene, early stimulation and protection from violence, abuse and neglect."
"Early Childhood Development is also the foundation for realizing the Sustainable Development Goals set for 2030," explained Karin Hulshof, UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and Pacific.
"This is my first visit to China and I'm so encouraged to see that China is leading the way on a comprehensive approach to ECD for the young. Investing in early childhood development is one of the most critical and cost-effective ways to improve adult health, education and productivity. It also empowers women, reduces violence, promotes environmental sensitivity, and can break the cycle of poverty to create a more sustainable and prosperous world."
Ma added, "What the child needs for growing up is not only food and clothes. They also have psychological and emotional needs. They need to live in a caring, protective and safe environment. These are all crucial to the whole life of the child."
"The first three years are very important for children's growth and development. You cannot miss it, for the window of opportunity is irreversible."
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