Our "Strong Foundations" project will improve the early childhood education experience for hundreds of children ages 3-5 in 23 classrooms in Ramdhuni Municipality, Nepal. ETC and partner Save the Earth will: 1. Provide classroom materials, furniture, and recreational items; 2. Offer best-practice-based teacher training; 3. Host regular networking opportunities for the teachers (all women); and 4. Encourage parents' active involvement and support.

Challenge

Quality early childhood education (ECE) isn't consistently available to children in rural Nepal. Classrooms - where they exist - can be overcrowded, lacking in basic materials and furniture, and generally insufficient to provide an enriching early education experience. ECE teachers tend to be poorly trained and lack access to the types of professional development that can help them perform their important jobs more effectively and enjoy them more.

Long-Term Impact

Among the many benefits accruing to children who participate in quality ECE programs are: 1. Development of basic skills (e.g., counting, sorting, vocabulary-building) that will support their future academic success and overall literacy/numeracy throughout life; 2. Development of important "soft" skills such as smart decision-making, cooperation, regulating emotions, expressing themselves appropriately, etc.; and 3. Development of creativity, curiosity, and inquisitive minds!

References

1. https://www.etc-nepal.org
2. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGFUUy7DzvNXLwenIiNJxcQ
3. https://www.etc-nepal.org/photos-and-publications/

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