During the Early Childhood Development Conference, Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud stated that children aged 0 to 2 years should not use digital devices such as phones and tablets due to potential negative impacts on their mental health. She emphasized the importance of being mindful of what influences are introduced during this critical period of brain development. Dr. Persaud advised parents to refrain from giving these devices to young children, urging them to stop if they are currently doing so.
As children grow older, the Minister recommended a limit of two hours of screen time per week. The conference, hosted by the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Canadian government, aims to strengthen early childhood development and enhance the quality of services for young children across Guyana.
Dr. Persaud encouraged community-based care center owners to utilize financing from a GY$1.2 billion co-invest initiative to improve their facilities. This funding is intended for purchasing furniture and accessing technical expertise to support the establishment and expansion of their operations. So far, 700 individuals have registered for this initiative, which aims to create safe and child-friendly learning environments.
The Minister highlighted that 352 care centers have been licensed, with 376 registered, including 25 centers of excellence staffed by specially trained personnel. Additionally, 460 parents have received GY$25 million in contributions for their children placed in registered care centers, ensuring children are in safe environments.
Levine Gouveia, Director of Children Services, outlined the pillars of Guyana’s National Integrated Early Childhood Development policy, which includes collaboration, safety, access, quality, and inclusion. The policy also addresses health, nutrition, and family support, aiming to create a robust child protection service for children aged zero to three.
Adam Loyer, Charge D’Affaires of Canada’s High Commission, noted that Canada has supported the development of this policy, which has expanded early childhood services to over 48,000 children and 35,000 parents across Guyana. He highlighted the successful launch of the National Integrated Early Childhood Development Policy as a significant achievement.
UNICEF Representative for Guyana and Suriname, Anna Azaryeva Valente, stressed the need for increased awareness of the ECD policy’s pillars and the importance of inter-sectoral coordination. She acknowledged progress in addressing social issues in Guyana but emphasized that further work is necessary to improve service quality and support vulnerable communities.
Valente encouraged conference participants, including experts, caregivers, and early childhood service providers, to engage actively in discussions, share knowledge, and identify challenges to enhance early childhood services in Guyana.
Source: demerarawaves.com
