July 14, Colombo (LNW): National Early Childhood Care and Development Week gets underway today (14) and will continue until July 20, with a nationwide campaign aimed at promoting the healthy growth and development of young children.
Organised by the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, this year’s programme is being held under the theme, “Towards a Developing Child World – a Sunbeam, a Happy Family.” The initiative is intended to encourage greater awareness of the importance of early childhood development while supporting the creation of a healthier and more nurturing environment for children across Sri Lanka.
Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj said a range of awareness campaigns, educational activities and community outreach programmes have been organised throughout the country to mark the occasion. These initiatives are expected to engage parents, caregivers, educators and local communities in discussions on the vital role they play during a child’s formative years.
The Minister noted that the campaign also seeks to improve public understanding of the need for accessible, high-quality early childhood care and development services. She stressed that investing in children’s physical, emotional, social and intellectual wellbeing from an early age lays the foundation for a stronger future generation.
Encouraging families to take an active role in children’s development, Minister Paulraj urged parents and communities to remain informed and involved, highlighting the campaign’s message: “Be aware and act for the sake of your child.”