Lesotho: Innovation In Early Development Materials

Lesotho Produces Innovative Communication Materials For Children’s Early Development

UNICEF and the Ministry of Education and Training bring together creative minds from across the country to produce children’s multimedia material. Maseru, Lesotho 02 July 2010– About 100 participants, [including artists, journalist, photographers, graphic designers, animation and music composers, NGOs, young people and education specialists] from all over Lesotho teamed up for the first time to produce pioneering local communication material for children.

The initiative was organized by the Ministry of Education and Training and UNICEF and aimed at employing local creativity to translate traditional Early Childhood Development (ECD) knowledge and practices into original communication products for children and their caregivers, with a focus on special needs and HIV and AIDS.

The products include illustrated and photo books, posters, animations and TV and radio spots, focusing on promoting positive customs and demystifying the conventional image of children and caregivers with special needs. Particular emphasis was placed on addressing the most vulnerable children aged 0-6 years.

Ms. Barbaba Kolucki UNICEF consultant and a worldwide expert on ECD, introduced the importance of early childhood development “Many often underestimate the critical value of early childhood; the ages 0-3 are the most important years in a child’s formative and cognitive development” she stated.

Ms. Edith Sebatane, ECD specialist and lecturer at the National University of Lesotho reiterated that “by age three, 80% of a child’s brain is formed. The developing brain is sensitive to environmental influences such as nutrition, intellectual stimulation, language development, social relationships and bonding. Fathers as well as mothers must be actively involved in the provision of childcare; holding, talking to and playing with babies, protecting and caring for the baby is the responsibility of men and women alike”.

Participants took off their ‘adult hats’ to seek the child within. The outcome was felt in the production of inclusive materials that connect people by valuing diversity, encouraging positive communication between children and adults and challenging the stigma and stereotypes surrounding disability and HIV and AIDS.

“Our products show the importance of living together and caring for each other despite our differences, whether it’s a father caring for his orphaned child, a grandmother taking care of a disabled child or a deaf mother loving and caring for her child as best as any other mother” said one of the participants.

Dr. Naqib Safi, Deputy Representative of UNICEF Lesotho emphasized the importance of “creating media that goes at the heart of the matter that connects people through the common principle of being the same irrespective of our differences, HIV status, abilities or disabilities”. By depicting ability rather than disability children will learn and practice respect for diversity and inclusion.

Media is a powerful tool to protect the most vulnerable, give them a voice and influence public perception. The fairness and objectivity of the media can make them ambassadors of children, especially on issues of HIV and AIDS, gender and narrowing the disparity gap.

Ms. Seriti Morojele-Dotoro, inspector field services from the Ministry of Education and Training was moved by the materials produced “It is the first time I witness such magical products coming from our own people, for the development of our own children. You tapped into the soul, using songs and slogans that we grew up with and we pass onto our children, those innermost traditional values that heal our soul and bring back memories” she said.

During the presentation of the 13 products, audiences were moved by the captivating materials and how they depicted the essence of traditional customs and translated it into positive inclusive solutions.

The next steps include finalizing all the products, pre-testing them and ensuring they reach all reception classes across the country, communities and home based kindergartens as well as specialized institutions for children under 6 years of age.

ENDS

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