AMN PLUS-March 5/2026
A delegation of 11 experts, including officials from the Zambian Ministry of Education, is visiting Addis Ababa to learn from the city’s successful early childhood development program.
During their stay, the delegation visited the African Early Childhood Development Center established in Addis Ababa to observe the program’s implementation and achievements.
In an interview with Addis Media Network (AMN), Mrs. Prisca Simukonda, Director of Standards, Assessment and Evaluation at the Zambian Ministry of Education, said Ethiopia is an important country from which to learn valuable lessons in early childhood education.
She noted that the African Early Childhood Development Center will benefit not only Ethiopians but also other African countries.
According to Simukonda, although Zambia began implementing early childhood education programs earlier, their outcomes have not been as effective as expected. However, she said the delegation has learned valuable lessons from Addis Ababa’s experience that could help address existing challenges.
As part of the early childhood development initiative, more than 1,000 childcare centers have been built across the capital, allowing parents to closely monitor their children.
Around 5,000 professionals have also been deployed to ensure children receive nutritious food, basic healthcare, and guidance while supporting parents with proper childcare and play-based learning methods.
In addition, educational institutions equipped with child-friendly playgrounds and classrooms have been established. The city’s corridor development projects have also created safe environments where children can play and easily access facilities that stimulate their mental development.
The Deputy Coordinator of the Zambia Early Childhood Development Project, Emilyn Simkukui, said many institutions and investors have been impressed by the achievements of Addis Ababa’s early childhood development program and are eager to learn from its success.
Director of the African Early Childhood Development Center, Kebede Worku, told AMN that the center is working to support Ethiopian regions as well as other African countries from its base in Addis Ababa.
The director added that the center is currently providing technical assistance to five regional states, and a delegation recently traveled to Mombasa to share experiences and best practices.
It is also worth noting that the mayor of Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, visited Addis Ababa last month and toured the city’s early childhood development program.
By Leta Teresa
