Affordable services for Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) are underrepresented in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, despite the knowledge of their relevance for young children’s cognitive and social development and positive longer-term learning impact. Children from poorer households are hence disadvantaged from the start when it comes to school-readiness compared to their peers whose families can afford private ECCD. In addition, following the recent escalation of violence in parts of the West Bank, pre-school and school-aged children are enduring traumatic events, which impact their protection, emotional well-being and learning, with potential long-term consequences for their well-being and child development. Positive early childhood development outcomes are closely linked to child protection and vice versa. There is a need for comprehensive and integrated ECCD and child protection interventions to tackle both the learning and psychosocial challenges children face.

The project addresses both the gap in affordable access to quality ECCD for children from poorer families as well as child protection and mental health concerns of children affected by the current conflict.

Outcome 1: Children (girls and boys) aged 3-6 of all abilities and backgrounds are supported in their early childhood development in a protective environment

Outcome 2: Children's (boys and girls) aged 3-12 and caregivers' (men and women) immediate protection and mental health and psychosocial support needs are addressed

Risultati principali attesi:  

1.1 2’800 children aged 3-6 have improved access to quality and protective Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) (50% M/F, incl. children with disabilities)

1.2 84 ECCD facilitators are supported to enhance their capacity and wellbeing to deliver protective ECCD activities

1.3 28 ECCD centres are improved to be safe, inclusive, environmentally friendly and gender sensitive

1.4 Parents and caregivers' knowledge and attitude towards ECCD is improved

2.1 350 Children aged 3-12 years old with a protection concern are safely identified and referred to various services and, where feasible, provided with comprehensive case management support

2.2 250 Parents and/or caregivers are provided with information, parenting skills, and resources to mitigate child protection risks

2.3 84 ECCD facilitators receive on-the-job foundational child protection and psychosocial support trainings

2.4 350 Children and parents/caregivers benefit from regular mental health and psychosocial support

2.5 10 Children's voices and experiences are being leveraged

Risultati fasi precedenti:   None