Investing in the Youngest: ECCD in Emergencies

Investing in the Youngest: ECCD in Emergencies

Hanna Jamal, Plan International USACORE Group Spring Meeting

April 25th, 2013Hanna.Jamal@planusa.org

Plan’s Approach to Plan’s Approach to ECCDECCD

- Rights based, child-centered and community-led

- Guided by the Four Cornerstones *Global Consultative Group on Early Childhood Care and Development

1. Start at the beginning

2. Provide new opportunities for discovery and learning

3. Make schools ready for children

4. Address policies on ECCD

ECECCCDD• Emphasis on

the care

• Strengthen capacity of parents, other caregivers and community members as they create the protective environment for children.

ECCD in EmergenciesECCD in Emergencies- provides

immediate, life saving, multi-sectoral support for young children from conception to 8 years.

- should be supported by all sectors

Children in emergencies suffer from extreme neglect, both physically and emotionally.

Psychosocial Support is Key!

Advocacy & Program Advocacy & Program

SupportSupport

• Advocacy report targeting governments, donor agencies, and general public

• Program guide for implementing staff• Organized by

sector, phase of the emergency, and target group

• Builds on existing tools and resources

• Needs to be adapted

Critical Actions by SectorCritical Actions by Sector

Case Study: NigerCase Study: Niger• Supported formation of

mother’s groups using ‘model mothers’

• Supported health workers to carry-out regular monitoring of children’s growth

ECCD Through Different ECCD Through Different

PhasesPhases

Disaster Risk Reduction &

Preparedness

•Identify suppliers for items needed for young children in emergencies

•Stockpile essential medicines, first aid kits, hygiene kits, and ECCD materials for play and learning

•Identify safe places in the communities for possible relocation of ECCD centers, health posts, preschools, and primary schools if necessary

Promoting resilience through Tales of Disaster

(Plan Philippines)

““The Big Blue Bag”The Big Blue Bag”

Building on Local CapacityBuilding on Local Capacity

Supporting Young Children Supporting Young Children with Disabilitieswith Disabilities

Preparedne

ssCollect information about young children with disabilities in disaster prone areas

Develop contingency plans with health clinics and disability service providers

Offer guidance on preparedness actions to parents and families of children with disabilities

ResponseInclude disability questions in rapid assessments

Include young children w/ disabilities in community play groups & temporary learning centers; encourage joint activities where all children participate

Recruit extra volunteers & caregivers in areas with high numbers of children with disabilities

RecoveryWork with disabled people’s organizations, parent groups, & community activists to advocate for disability to be included in gov’t policies

Facilitate participation of children w/ disabilities and their families in activities such as awareness raising, needs assessments, M&E, etc

Ensure sustained access to services for families of children with disabilities

Plan Haiti & PAZAPAPlan Haiti & PAZAPA

• Partnership before & after Haiti earthquake and cholera outbreak

• Research on emergencies & children with disabilities

• Situation of children with pre-existing disabilities notably absent from disaster response evaluations in Haiti

SummarySummary

• ECCD in emergencies saves lives and futures!

• Protects children from physical, psychological, cognitive and socio-emotional harm

• Creates new opportunities for vulnerable groups i.e girls, children with disabilities

• Must be supported by all sectors

Thank YouThank Youhttp://plan-international.org/about-plan/resources/publications/emergencies