Early Childhood Development

Thematic Goal

Ensuring a strong start in life for girls and boys by enhancing family and community support, expanding access to quality Early Childhood Development (ECD) services, and strengthening human resources and infrastructure through collaboration with government, community, private sectors, and the AKDN.

The Context

Early Childhood Development (ECD) is crucial for lifelong learning, wellbeing, and breaking the cycle of poverty. In Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, many children face limited access to quality ECD services, impacting their cognitive, social, and physical development. These challenges are further exacerbated by inadequate healthcare, nutrition, early learning opportunities, and family support, particularly in remote and disadvantaged communities.

Recognising the need for a comprehensive ECD ecosystem, the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) integrates ECD within its community-driven development model, working in partnership with other Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) agencies. In line with the Young Children’s Health, Development, and Wellbeing strategy, AKRSP is committed to a cross-sectoral and integrated approach to supporting young children’s health, development, and wellbeing. This approach aligns with the Nurturing Care Framework, which focuses on good health, adequate nutrition, safety, responsive caregiving, and early learning opportunities.

AKRSP expands ECD outreach to underserved areas, complementing AKDN’s efforts to strengthen family and community support systems. This collaborative approach enhances access to quality ECD services, improves developmental outcomes, and bridges service gaps to ensure that children receive the care and opportunities they need for a strong foundation in life.

Key Intervention Areas

Enhancing the professional capacities of teachers, health workers, and relevant officials.

Supporting the establishment and improvement of ECD classrooms.

Promoting social and behavioural change in ECD through parents, caregivers, and communities.

Achievements & Impacts:

The Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme became part of AKRSP’s mandate in 2001. Since then, the organisation has actively implemented ECD initiatives in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, working in close collaboration with government education and health departments, Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) agencies, the private sector, and local stakeholders.

AKRSP strengthens family and community support systems, builds local capacities, and improves access to ECD services in underserved areas. By leveraging existing platforms from the government, community institutions, private sector actors, and AKDN- including Aga Khan Education Services, Pakistan (AKES,P) and Aga Khan Health Services, Pakistan (AKHS,P)- AKRSP extends ECD outreach to promote holistic child development.

Through infrastructure development, human resource capacity-building, and community-based interventions, AKRSP fosters a sustainable, locally driven ECD model that enhances child well-being, empowers caregivers, and strengthens service delivery at the grassroots level. This collaborative approach contributes to breaking intergenerational cycles of poverty and ensuring that children in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral receive the best possible start in life.