Gov’t in programme to prepare children ahead of joining primary school

The Ministry of Education has partnered with the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) and introduced a pilot program aimed at providing children at kindergarten level with the knowledge and skills they require before they begin primary school education.

The program dubbed TAYARI ECDE is a four-year study implemented by both the National Government and the respective County Governments with technical support from the Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International, and funding by the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF).

Speaking at her office in Nairobi, the Programme’s Project Coordinator, Dr Evangeline Nderu, said that the purpose of the initiative is to ensure that the children are ready for learning when they join standard one.

“The pilot will provide a basis for the development of a cost‐effective and scalable Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) model that will ensure children aged children (4‐ 6 years) are ready for school and succeed in their primary schooling,” said Dr. Nderu

Dr. Nderu, regretted that a significant number of children from different socio-economic backgrounds joined class one without the necessary skills required to thrive at that level.

She added that children need the requisite readiness skills and competencies in literacy, numeracy, and life to optimally take advantage of educational experience that primary education provides.

“The program projects to provide instructional materials, classroom teacher support, health and nutrition integration to 75,000 children aged 4-6 in 1,700 ECDE centres in Laikipia, Nairobi, Siaya and Uasin Gishu Counties,” Dr. Nderu explained.

She said respective County Governments where the pilot program is being tested are working closely with RTI and CIFF adding that the program will provide the framework to standardize and align the delivery of the ECDE curriculum as designed by Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).

She also underscored the need to give pre-primary school children free time to play and talk to their parents or guardians constantly.

“The program provides a holistic and standardized assessment approach for learners at the kindergarten education level in Kenya.” Dr. Nderu said.