Resource package on pre-schooling launched

They said the country is lagging behind in this sector because of a lack of trained teachers and effective curriculum planning.

The resource package containing three books -- 'Amar Ekal-Sekal' 'Majar Pre-school' and 'Amra Sabai Kheli' -- was launched at the Biam auditorium in the city. The package is the outcome of the joint efforts of Unesco Bangladesh and Inner Force.

"These books are meant for those who are directly involved with pre-primary schooling, mainly teachers, and also for parents," said Farida Akhter, executive director of Inner Force.

Farida Akhter, also one of the authors, said these books would help teachers in classroom and parents at home deal with very young children's learning process.

Ichiro Miyazawa, programme specialist of Unesco Bangladesh, said that Unesco recognises ECCE as a component of basic education and is actively working for its promotion.

Unesco Representative Wolfgang Vollman argued that for a child who is suddenly put into a classroom, sitting for hours, listening to teachers and maintaining classroom discipline can be very gruelling. The ECCE does this job of initial orientation of a child to schooling very well, he added.

Appreciating the joint efforts of Unesco and Inner Force, Deputy Secretary to the Ministry of Children and Women Affairs Abdul Jalil Mian said with concerted efforts of all, Bangladesh will soon be able to ensure quality education for all.

Selina Ahmed of Save the Children, Sweden and Denmark, psychologist Sufia Akhter and Shakila, a pre-school teacher, also spoke on the occasion.