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African Center for Early Childhood Development

AfC-ECD is born out of the city administration’s ambitious “Children: The Future Hope of Addis Ababa” Early Childhood Development program that aims to transform Addis Ababa into Africa’s most welcoming and nurturing place for young children and their carers – simply put, the best city in Africa to raise children.

Recognizing the long-lasting impact of early childhood development on children and their future, AfC-ECD strives to offer comprehensive services to every child in the city and beyond.
ceo

Chief Executive Officer

Message From Chief Executive Officer

Dear Friends, Supporters, and Partners,

I am thrilled to welcome you to the African Center for Early Childhood Development (AfC-ECD). Our mission is to advance early childhood development across Africa, ensuring every child receives the care and support they need to thrive. AfC-ECD aspires to be a hub of innovation and learning, spearheading initiatives to make Addis Ababa the most child-friendly city in Africa. With a focus on collaboration, integrity, and inclusivity, we aim to reach marginalized communities and enhance the lives of seven million children by 2028. Through partnerships with governments, civil society, academia, and donors, we believe in creating sustainable solutions that will have a lasting impact. Thank you for your continued support in our journey to build a brighter future for the children of Africa.

Sincerely,

Kebede Worku (MD, MPH)

Vision

To be a learning and innovation hub that transforms the lives of millions of young children across Africa.

Mission

To contribute to a future of prosperity and development in Africa by driving quality Early Childhood Development initiatives that help children learn, grow, and thrive in a healthy and nurturing environment.

Goal

To change the lives of seven million children by 2028 by transforming Early Childhood Development in Africa through targeted programs and initiatives.

Objectives

Strengthen ECD workforce, expand indigenous research, advocate multisectoral collaboration, ensure consistent standards, raise early childhood development awareness
Core Values

Empowerment and Advocacy

At AfC-ECD, we are guided by the following core values:

Inclusion: We value the contributions of all stakeholders, particularly those who put equity at the heart of everything they do and who respond to the needs of the most vulnerable and marginalized in our societies.

Multidisciplinary: We recognize that, to transform a child’s life, we cannot leave any stone unturned. Therefore, we rely on a wide scope of resources in delivering quality ECD services, including indigenous knowledge and local capacities.

Collaboration: We build strong partnerships with a wide range of ECD stakeholders in order to respond to the challenges facing young children and families in the most effective and impactful manner.

Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of professional integrity in all aspects of our work.

Safeguarding: We are determined to ensure the safety and protection of all children in each of our activities, including through strict data management and data protection policies.

Respect: We respect the dignity and value the contribution of all those involved in supporting the delivery of quality and life-changing ECD services.

Empowerment and Advocacy

Our Team

Leadership and Governance

AfC-ECD is led by a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about ECD and committed to working alongside key stakeholders to achieve our strategic goals and change the lives of children across Africa. The leadership team is comprised of a Managing Board including our Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officers who are also supported by an international Advisory Committee.