March 25, 2026 – The African Center for Early Childhood Development (AFC-ECD) has launched a three-day expert training workshop focused on the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework for Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs.

The training session is attended by approximately 50 professionals drawn from four National Regional States, as well as the Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa City Administrations. These participants represent regions where the Centre is currently scaling up the successful ECD program models originally implemented in Addis Ababa.

The primary objective of the training is to strengthen the monitoring and evaluation systems of Early Childhood Development programs across the country.

In his opening remarks this morning, Dr. Kebede Worku, Chief Executive Officer of the Centre, stated that the training is designed to enhance the implementation of ECD programs within the respective regions. He noted that this initiative is a core part of the Centre’s broader effort to expand Addis Ababa’s best practices to other parts of Ethiopia.

Dr. Kebede emphasized that following the training, participants are expected to analyze daily operational performance through rigorous monitoring and evaluation, as well as conduct comprehensive semi-annual and annual performance reviews. He added that the discussions would focus on developing practical, measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) aligned with regional plans and roadmaps.

Furthermore, the CEO highlighted the necessity of improving information sharing among leaders and stakeholders at various levels by developing advanced data management dashboards.

During the session, Dr. Meseret Zelalem, Deputy CEO of the Centre, provided a briefing on the fundamentals of Early Childhood Development, as well as the Centre\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s mission, mandate, and strategic priorities. She encouraged participants to take an active leadership role in improving child welfare and development at the national level.

The participants include experts from the Bureaus of Education, Health, and Women and Social Affairs across the four regions and two city administrations.

Alongside technical experts from the Centre, attendees are expected to review and validate the drafted ECD Monitoring and Evaluation Framework document and identify the key metrics that will guide the program’s oversight moving forward.