| Did you know… 85% of the human brain develops by age 5. It is more difficult to improve cognitive development later. 55% of a child’s cognitive capacity is influenced by his/her environment. |
Neurological research shows that the early years play a key role in children’s brain development. From pregnancy through early childhood, all of the environments in which children live and learn, and the quality of their relationships with adults and caregivers have a significant impact on their cognitive, emotional and social development. Hence, investment in Early Childhood Development lays the foundation for a prosperous and sustainable society.
Mawlana Hazar Imam has emphasized time and again about the importance of ECD by underlying the fact based on scientific research that a child’s brain significantly develops during early phases of life. Accordingly, it is a matter of highest importance for the parents in particular and the jamat to ensure that the early period of a child’s life is given due attention so they may in later part of life continue to grow and nurture holistically in their spiritual, physical and intellectual facets.
ECDC (Early ChildhoodDevelopment Centres) all over Tanzania and Zambia runs various programs for the young generation of our jamat. The competencies and skills fostered through ECD programs are not limited to cognitive gains, but also include physical, social and emotional gains.
References:
Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development
siteresources.worldbank.org