Nairobi: The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture and the Nutrition and Food Security Alliance of Namibia, has launched the roll-out of the Family-Based Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Right Start Programme in Nkurenkuru, Kavango West region. This initiative aims to address the alarming 34.4% stunting rate among children under five years old.According to Namibia Press Agency, Nutrition and Food Security Alliance of Namibia nutritionist Fredrika Amupolo highlighted the challenges posed by poor nutrition and insufficient stimulation at home, which manifest later in children's inability to cope with educational demands. She noted that only a small fraction of children attend ECD centres, with many struggling to read or perform basic calculations by Grade 3. Amupolo also warned that 49% of households' use of physical punishment hinders children's growth and development due to fear.Kavango West Regional Chairperson and Nkurenkuru Constituency Councillor Fillipus Tenga emphasized that the Right Start Programme is a national flagship initiative designed to provide every child with a strong foundation, irrespective of their birthplace or family circumstances. The programme adheres to the Nurturing Care Framework, focusing on good health, adequate nutrition, responsive caregiving, early learning, and safety. Tenga stressed the importance of reaching rural areas, calling for more health posts, mobile clinics, and community gardens to ensure the programme's success in such regions.Loide Velishavo, Acting Community Development Director in the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, stated that the government is now introducing the Family-Based ECD and Right Start programmes as part of the shift of ECD responsibilities to the Ministry of Education. Velishavo explained that the initiative includes three programmes: centre-based ECD, family-based ECD, and Right Start, with the goal of reaching every individua l in the region through community meetings to ensure no child is left behind in the new early childhood system.