Enabling Preschool Children Thrive in Early Child Development Center 

Abdi Borru  Early  Childhood  Development (ECD) Centre is located in the Omonada district in the Jimma zone of the Oromia region. The wide compound having two learning blocks is full of child-suited colourful learning materials such as letters and numbers stuck across the wall with soft,  cushioned mats on the floor, inviting little ones to crawl and roll. The air is filled with the sweet sound of nursery rhymes, sung by children. In one corner, a group of children sit in a circle, eagerly listening to a story. Nearby, small tables filled with arts and crafts made of local material for indoor games. The room is a haven of joy and exploration. When you walk away out of the room a spacious playground awaits, with swings, slides, and climbing structures designed for safe and active play. 

The establishment of the Abdi Borru ECD centre has brought about a new opportunity for many preschool children like Eliham,  a bright and curious six-year-old girl. At first, Eliham struggled to socialise with children and identify the simplest letters and numbers. She had no place for early learning and playing with her peers. But with the ECD centre’s supportive environment and encouragement, she began to show remarkable progress. Her confidence grew with each passing day, and she started to enjoy learning.  

Eliham attends the ECD center five days a week engaging in a wide range of activities that foster her intellectual and social skills. Through interactive games, puzzles, and creative exercises she gradually began to recognise letters, numbers, and common words. “Here I learn letters, and numbers, sing songs and play different indoor and outdoor games with my friends” Eliham reflects.  The teaching method of the centre allowed Eliham to acquire knowledge funnily and engagingly, making the learning process both enjoyable and meaningful for her. 

The ECD programme not only helped Eliham develop her academic skills but also enabled her to foster her emotional and social well-being. She made new friends at the centre, learned how to share and take turns, and developed essential life skills.  

Thanks to the ECD programme, Eliham is now well-prepared to go to first grade with confidence and a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy. Her parents are grateful for the opportunity to give their daughter a head start in life.  

Mohammed Hassen, Eliham’s father, shared his heartfelt testimony about his daughter’s progress after attending the Early Childhood Development Center. "I am truly amazed by the progress Eliham has made since attending the ECD centre. She enjoys attending the ECD centre. She draws pictures, reads words and numbers at home” he says. “I am grateful for the opportunity to enrol her in such a nurturing and supportive programme. It has truly made a positive impact on her growth and socialisation,” he adds.  

Early childhood development is a programme that focuses on fostering children's well-being through play and learning. Since 2014, World Vision Ethiopia established 878 ECD centres and benefited more than 86,000 children in Ethiopia.

By Samuel Zerihun, Communications Coordinator (Education), World Vision Ethiopia