The African Center for Early Childhood Development (AfC-ECD) joined regional leaders, education officials and partners at the Central Ethiopia Regional Education Sector Annual Congress to review progress and discuss ways to expand access to quality early learning.
One of the key areas discussed was the region’s “One Pre-primary School in One Village” initiative, which aims to bring pre-primary education closer to children and families in their communities. The initiative reflects a simple but important idea: children need a strong foundation from the earliest years of life. Access to quality pre-primary education helps children develop early learning skills and prepares them for primary school and beyond.

Central Ethiopia has already made progress in expanding pre-primary education. In 2018 E.C., the region built 136 pre-primary schools, with an investment of ETB 253.5 million. Communities and partners also contributed more than ETB 9.2 million, showing what can be achieved when communities and partners work together.
Speaking at the congress, H.E. Dr. Endashaw Tassew, President of the Central Ethiopia Regional State, emphasized that expanding pre-primary education is a shared responsibility. He called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, communities, parents, teachers, development partners, and other stakeholders.

For AfC-ECD, the congress was an opportunity to engage with regional and sub-regional leaders and reinforce the importance of keeping ECD at the center of education planning. It was also an opportunity to learn from the region’s experience in community mobilization and expanding pre-primary education.

AfC-ECD will continue working with regional partners to strengthen leadership, coordination and practical approaches that can help more children get access to quality early learning. Together, we can give more children the opportunity to grow, learn and thrive from the very beginning of life.