Windhoek: Deputy Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Linda Mbwale has called for stronger community participation in the establishment of early childhood development (ECD) centres in remote communities.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Mbwale made the call during a visit to Otjikondavirongo village in the Kunene Region on Monday as part of her nationwide mobilisation drive to establish ECD centres in underserved communities. The community responded positively to the initiative and committed to establishing an ECD centre from scratch, with approximately 80 children between the ages of two and six currently remaining at home without access to ECD services.

Mbwale said ensuring access to early childhood development services is important so as to give children in remote communities a strong foundation for their education and development. The ministry's Deputy Director responsible for Kunene, Connie Manghono, also sensitised the community about the RightStart Programme and its role in supporting early childhood development.

The visit, however, highlighted several challenges affecting the community, including the lack of a clinic, safe drinking water, radio reception, proper roads, toilets and a literacy promoter. The local Grade 1 to 7 school is also facing critical infrastructure challenges, particularly a shortage of adequate sanitation facilities and hostel amenities.

According to the ministry, learners at the school sleep on iron beds without mattresses, highlighting the need for improved accommodation and welfare facilities for pupils. Mbwale reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to ensuring that children living in Namibia's most remote communities are not left behind in accessing essential services.

She urged the community to take an active role in addressing challenges affecting children and to work closely with government and other stakeholders to improve living and learning conditions. The ministry said collaboration between communities, government institutions and other stakeholders remains essential in ensuring that children have access to safe and supportive environments that promote their development.

The Otjikondavirongo visit forms part of the ministry's broader efforts to expand ECD services and mobilise communities to establish centres where such services are currently unavailable.