Perceptions of early childhood development (ECD) programmes amongst rural women: a case study of the Matshetshe ECD centre in uMzingwane district, Zimbabwe.

Abstract

Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes have an impact on the lives of the communities and societies which they serve. It has been noted that ECD programmes also have an impact on both the guardian and the child. As a result, governments, schools, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and communities are working together to ensure that these programmes enhance the development of the child. Hence, the amalgamation of ECD services that include education, nutrition, hygiene and parental guidance. Women are generally closest to the child and often play the largest care-giving role. Thus, comprehensive ECD programmes need to consider the needs of women caregivers in their planning and implementation. This study seeks to understand rural women’s perceptions of ECD programmes that have been introduced in the Zimbabwean formal school system, that is, ECD A and ECD B. In so doing, gender issues and the socio-economic impact of ECD programmes on women is investigated. The study adopts a qualitative research approach. The data was collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation and a Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The Matshetshe Primary School ECD centre, which is situated in a rural area in one of the marginalised provinces of Zimbabwe, that is, Matabeleland South Province was the case study. Findings of the study reveal that ECD programmes have an impact on the socio-economic lives of women and this shapes women’s perceptions of ECD. In addition, the findings revealed that stakeholder collaboration and the social and cultural context of the community shapes the success of ECD programmes. Therefore, the study recommends that needs assessment has to be done so that programme planners get to understand the socio-economic needs of the caregivers. Also, there is a need to conduct more awareness meetings with the communities about the ECD curriculum and the broader meaning of ECD.