Historic 2012 Biennial National Forum on Early Childhood Development Closes in Arusha

The Minister for Education and Vocational Training , Dr Shukuru Kawambwa, has officially closed the historic 2012 Biennial National Forum on Early Childhood Development Closes in Arusha, Thursday.


Mr Shukuru Kwambwa (center) exchanges the signed 2021 ECDF declaration with Marito Garcia of the World Bank, (left,) and Arcord Rutajwaha , who was representing CSOs, soon after signing the document, just before the closure of the biennial ECD forum, Thursday.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Kawambwa said that the government has articulated the country’s key development priorities and strategies in the poverty Reduction Strategy Paper, which places special emphasis on improvement in education, health, water and good governance; areas that are crucial to the wellbeing of the child.



Dr Haji Mponda left, speaks to Dr Shukuru Kawambwa moments before the official closong of the forum in Arusha Thursday.

“We have learnt from a number of presentations in this forum how integrated Early Childhood Development interventions could address challenges facing young children in their future life. These interventions include nutrition, early stimulation for brain development, early learning child protection, language development, and a host of other relevant interventions,” he said.




A drama group, Kesho Cafe, performs a drama on child abuse on the last day of the forum at Mount Meru Hotel, in Arusha.

He went on to thank all the organizers and sponsors of the event including the “ World Bank, INICEF, UNESCO, Children in Crossfire, The Aga Khan Foundation and Bernard van Leer Foundation. It certainly has been a successful forum. Thank you very much for funding and facilitating the running of the forum. This support is an assurance of your continued support to the Early Childhood Development in Tanzania.”

Watch this space for a detailed report and other events during the forum.







A drama group, Kesho Cafe, performs a drama on child abuse on the last day of the forum at Mount Meru Hotel, in Arusha.



A Maasai traditional dance group, entertains participants on the last day of the 2012 ECD forum in Arusha




Dr Kawambwa addresses journalists after officially the forum on ECD in Arusha. he is flanked by the Deputy Minister Community Development, Gender and Children, honourable Mwalimu.