Prime Highlights-
- Dialogue links to UNESCO’s SHAPE Initiative and the 2022 Tashkent Declaration’s commitment to quality ECCE for every child.
- UNICEF points to programmes like TuTu Centers as part of continued support for Tanzania’s early childhood care.
Key Facts-
- UNESCO convenes high-level dialogue in Zanzibar to strengthen ECCE in Tanzania.
- Officials commit to stronger, evidence-based ECCE systems in Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Background-
Senior government officials, development partners, researchers, civil society groups, and ECCE practitioners came together in Zanzibar as UNESCO convened a High-Level National Policy Dialogue on Strengthening Holistic Approaches and Practices in Early Childhood Care and Education.
The gathering formed part of the SHAPE ECCE Project, run by UNESCO alongside the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, which works to raise the profile of early childhood care and education in national and global policy talks, strengthen data and accountability systems, and push for recognition of every child’s right to ECCE from birth.
The dialogue marked a key step in Tanzania’s push to strengthen policies, governance, and investment toward quality, inclusive early childhood education, while reaffirming the long-running partnership between UNESCO, the Tanzanian government, the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, and the Hilton Foundation.
Opening the event, Zanzibar’s Permanent Secretary of Education and Vocational Training, Khamis Abdulla Said, said early childhood lays the foundation for lifelong learning, health, and productivity, describing investment in the sector as a strategic move for Tanzania’s future human capital.
UNESCO Country Representative Michel Toto linked the dialogue to the SHAPE Initiative, which supports countries in acting on the 2022 Tashkent Declaration’s commitment to quality ECCE for every child.
UNICEF representative Beatrice Benedict praised Tanzania and UNESCO’s efforts, calling for integrated support spanning education, health, nutrition, and protection, and pointed to UNICEF-backed programmes such as TuTu Centers.
The dialogue closed with participants agreeing to build stronger, evidence-based ECCE systems across Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar through sustained investment and partnership.
