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News and Updates

Positive Parenting - Introduction to the Nurturing Care Framework

15th September, 2023 - The Pakistan Alliance for Early Childhood, in collaboration with the Protection and Help of Children Against Abuse and Neglect (PAHCHAAN) and UNICEF Provincial Office, Punjab, organised a special workshop titled 'Positive Parenting - Introduction to the Nurturing Care Framework' on September 15, 2023, just before the 8th Symposium of the Pakistan Pediatric Association and the 13th National Child Rights Conference. The workshop aimed to facilitate discussions among key partners about positive parenting and child development. It explored the significance of positive parenting practices and introduced the Nurturing Care Framework. Later, Dr. Uzma Khurram Bukhari, Officer Incharge of the Nutrition Section at UNICEF Punjab, provided a comprehensive explanation of the framework's five components. Additionally, the workshop provided participants with the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the UNICEF-developed 'Parenting Package - Key Family Care Practices' and identify ways to integrate its messages into governmental and non-governmental sectors.

Renowned experts in the field of Early Childhood Development (ECD), developmental pediatricians, child psychologists, and parenting and child rights experts, delivered enlightening talks based on the latest research. They covered a wide range of topics, including adverse/sub-optimal feeding practices in infants and young children and possible solutions to address them, responsive feeding and care, the impact of playful parenting and fathers' engagement on the psychosocial and emotional development of children, capacity building, and mental health of parents and caregivers, the long-term effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences, the impact of screen time on brain development, child safeguarding, and creating a joyful environment at home.

Podcast - Episode 6: Special & Dyslexic Children - How to Raise Them? | Ms. Irum Mumtaz | Ms. Khadija Khan

10th September, 2023 - In the 6th episode of the Podcast Series on "Early Childhood Development" Ms. Irum Mumtaz, the CEO of Institute of Dyslexia Education and Attitudinal Studies(IDEAS), began the conversation with gratitude for the opportunity to discuss dyslexia, an essential topic that needed attention and understanding.

In response to Ms. Khadija's question about dyslexia, Ms. Irum delved into its definition. She explained that dyslexia, originating from the Greek words "dys" (problem) and "lexia" (words), refers to a child's difficulty in writing, reading, and understanding. Contrary to common misconceptions, dyslexia is not related to intelligence; it is a challenge in processing language, not a disease or weakness.

Ms. Irum continued to shed light on dyslexia's various aspects, mentioning related conditions like dyscalculia (difficulty with numbers), dysgraphia (impaired handwriting), dyspraxia (fine and gross motor skills challenges), and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). She emphasised that dyslexic individuals can be both normal and gifted, stressing the importance of recognising their potential.

Ms. Khadija raised concerns about parents' awareness of dyslexia and questioned why fathers, in particular, might not be as informed. Ms. Irum shared her observations, highlighting the societal pressures placed on mothers and the lack of involvement from fathers. Despite these challenges, she commended the determination of mothers nationwide, who, upon learning about dyslexia, actively sought her help for their children.

Ms. Irum emphasised the urgency of parental involvement, as well as the need for collaborative efforts between parents, educators, and institutions. She criticised the prevailing educational system, emphasising the importance of teaching children beyond academic knowledge, instilling a sense of responsibility and awareness about their rights and duties.

The conversation then shifted to the lack of understanding within society about dyslexia. Ms. Irum shared her own journey, how she founded Ideas to address this gap, and how Aamir Khan's film "Taare Zameen Par" played a crucial role in raising awareness about dyslexia in Pakistan. She stressed the significance of early detection and parental education, highlighting how dyslexic children often face blame and labelling, both at home and in school.

Ms. Khadija acknowledged the pivotal role Ms. Irum played in passing the dyslexia bill in the parliament, recognising her efforts in advocating for dyslexic children.

Watch the full video here: Special & Dyslexic Children : How to Raise Them?

3-day Training of Trainers (TOT) on Early Childhood Development and Key Family Care Practices on behalf of the Department of Government Health Services, KP and UNICEF

04 - 06 September, 2023 - Ms. Khadija Khan, the CEO of PAFEC, spearheaded a pivotal 3-day Training of Trainers (TOT) on Early Childhood Development and Key Family Care Practices on behalf of the Department of Government Health Services, KP and UNICEF at Hotel Elites Nathia Gali. The participants comprised health and nutrition experts from Bannu, North Waziristan, South Waziristan (Mehsud Belt & Wazir Belt), Lakki Marwat, DI Khan, and Tank.

During this training, Ms. Khadija Khan skillfully equipped the participants with the essential knowledge and skills required for Early Childhood Development and Key Family Care Practices. These trained professionals will subsequently impart their expertise in the regions spanning Bannu, North Waziristan, South Waziristan (Mehsud Belt & Wazir Belt), Lakki Marwat, DI Khan, and Tank.

PAFEC Engagement with the World Health Organisation

25th August, 2023 - The CEO of PAFEC was invited by the WHO Country Office in Islamabad to attend an important meeting on August 25th, 2023, with Dr. Khalid Siddeeq, the Technical Advisor on Child and Adolescent Health from WHO EMRO. The meeting aimed to facilitate the exchange of information regarding the ongoing work by both organisations in Early Childhood Development (ECD). The purpose was to share future plans and explore opportunities for collaboration, intending to enhance the efforts on ECD and Adolescent Health in Pakistan.

WHO also organised a 4-day workshop in Cairo, Egypt, from September 25th to 28th, 2023, focused on Child and Adolescent Health. The primary objective of the workshop was to enhance the member states' capacity to improve the survival, health, and development of newborns, children, and adolescents in the Region.

Ms. Khadija Khan participated in the workshop online. The workshop was structured into two tracks after an introductory day covering general themes. Track 1 concentrated on newborn and child health and development, while Track 2 addressed adolescent and school health. The workshop utilised a variety of methodologies, including presentations, plenary discussions, group exercises, and individual tasks. The key themes covered during the workshop included:

Strategic planning for NCAH
Ongoing initiatives to reduce neonatal and child mortality
Quality of care
Early Childhood development
Adolescent and school health

The attendees included potential experts in newborn, Early Childhood Development, adolescent, and school health from the EMRO region.

PAFEC’s Engagement with the Asia-Pacific Regional Network for Early Childhood

25th August, 2023 - ARNEC conducted a se:ries of capacity-building sessions on Network Impact for its Institutional Members online. The objective of these sessions was to bolster the efforts of national Early Childhood Development (ECD) networks by offering insights into network functioning and facilitating collaborative reflections and planning. The training was led by Amanda Welsh, a Senior Consultant with Network Impact, who guided participants through the following key priority areas:

Priority 1: Enhancing Network Engagement:The primary focus of Priority 1 was to enhance network engagement by developing a comprehensive understanding of its current levels and impact.
Priority 2: Monitoring Network Health and Progress: Priority 2 concentrated on field-tested measures enabling the monitoring of network health and progress. Implementing these measures empowers networks to achieve their goals efficiently and effectively.
Priority 3: Exploring Models for Network Sustainability: Priority 3 was dedicated to exploring various models for network sustainability. This session provided an invaluable opportunity to share existing approaches, exchange insights, and collectively address challenges faced by networks in their pursuit of sustainability.

To ensure a comprehensive and enriching experience, each session was complemented by pre-session exercises assigned to participating networks. These exercises, completed and presented during the session, facilitated meaningful group discussions that fostered productive interactions among participants. These sessions significantly contributed to the growth and success of the network.

Podcast - Episode 5: Play-based Learning | Ms. Arooj Malik | Ms. Khadija Khan

15th August, 2023 - In the fifth episode of the series "Early Childhood Development" Ms. Arooj Mailk, the CEO of Training Institute for Mentors Excellence (TIME), a mother herself and deeply involved in the education industry, highlighted the misconceptions surrounding play in society. She emphasised that play is inherent to a child's nature, evident even in newborns as they explore their surroundings through touch and interaction.

Referencing Maria Montessori's work, Ms. Arooj elaborated on how a child's sensory experiences, like touching and feeling different objects, are crucial for their intellectual development. She emphasised the importance of the age range from 0 to 8 years, during which a child's development occurs across various senses, such as sight, hearing, understanding, speaking, and smelling. She stressed that restricting a child's playtime or discouraging them from exploring tangible objects hampers their learning process significantly.

Ms. Arooj then moved on to discuss the practical aspects of play-based learning. She highlighted the various skills children develop through simple activities, emphasising that play teaches patience, enhances mathematical abilities, nurtures decision-making skills, and fosters teamwork and leadership qualities. She pointed out that activities as basic as playing with a ball or engaging in combative sports are instrumental in shaping a child's character and leadership abilities.

Furthermore, Ms. Arooj emphasised the significance of play in bridging the gap between parents and children. She shared personal experiences, such as engaging her own daughters in creative activities like cooking, gardening, and even outdoor picnics. These activities not only facilitate learning but also strengthen the emotional bonds between parents and children. She encourages parents to spend quality time with their children, engaging in activities that stimulate their creativity and imagination.

Acknowledging parents' challenges in engaging their children effectively, Ms. Arooj emphasised that both parents, not just mothers, play a vital role. She advocated for planning recreational activities with children, suggesting simple yet engaging games like sorting objects or creating crafts from everyday items like newspapers and envelopes. She stressed the importance of appreciating children's efforts, encouraging positive behaviour, and nurturing their self-esteem.She further highlighted the importance of exposing children to nature and advocating for activities like gardening, which not only teach patience but also instill a sense of responsibility towards the environment. She shared her own experiences with her daughters, emphasising the value of teaching children about nature and fostering a connection with it.

In response to a question about initiating a change in parenting practices, Ms. Arooj emphasised the need for parents to prioritise their children and invest time in their emotional development. She encouraged parents to make a weekly plan for engaging activities, ranging from outdoor adventures to cooking sessions, ensuring that children have a variety of experiences that foster their growth.

Watch the full video here: What are the Essentials of the Early Childhood Development

PAFEC Team attended the Launch Event of the IDEAS Inclusive Programme at the National Book Foundation

10th August, 2023 - The Pakistan Alliance for Early Childhood team was invited by Ms. Irum Mumtaz, CEO of IDEAS to participate in the inaugural event of the IDEAS Inclusive Programme, at the National Book Foundation(NBF). The Inclusive Programme is a comprehensive, child-centred initiative designed to cater to the diverse needs of all children, not just those with dyslexia. The common goal of the programme is to integrate these supplementary materials into both government and private school curricula aiming at making Pakistan dyslexia-friendly. Ms Zeb Jaffer, Parliamentary Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training, who successfully introduced and passed the Dyslexia Bill, graced the occasion as chief guest.

The event commenced with Ms Irum Mumtaz, the Senior Remedial Therapist and CEO of the Institute of Dyslexia Education and Attitudinal Studies (IDEAS), showcasing various materials developed for preparatory students. These materials included multi-sensory shapes and resources such as flashcards, strategically crafted to nurture foundational sub-skills.

Ms. Irum then presented the programme’s stages and the collaborative efforts required to initiate this endeavour, with the support of the NBF team. In her role as the Senior Remedial Therapist and CEO of IDEAS, Ms. Irum has embarked on a passionate journey with an unwavering commitment to creating a dyslexia-friendly Pakistan.

Additionally, Ms. Gulnaz Shah, a Senior Remedial Therapist and Phonics Specialist, emphasised the significance of incorporating remedial therapy within schools, especially for dyslexic children. She underscored the importance of introducing phonetics and sounds as primary elements when teaching language.

Raja Mazhar Hameed, Managing Director of NBF expressed wholehearted dedication from NBF and IDEAS for initiating this noble cause. Both organisations are diligently collaborating to develop and publish supplementary textbooks as part of the IDEAS Inclusive Programme—a multi-sensory, child-centered initiative. He further remarked that these dyslexia-focused materials, encompassing content and illustrations, are designed to benefit all children, serving as excellent educational tools. The ultimate aim is to seamlessly incorporate these materials into the formal education curriculum, spanning from Prep to VIII grades, thereby revolutionising the education system and fostering a dyslexia-friendly environment in Pakistan.

PAFEC Engagement with the Global Initiatives to Support Parents(GISP)

8th - 10th August, 2023 - GISP extended an invitation to PAFEC to participate in the Regional Convening on Supporting Parents and Caregivers for the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East, and North Africa Regions.

This event was organised in response to the challenges faced by parents and caregivers of children in the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East, and North Africa regions. It was spearheaded by a steering committee comprising regional partners, such as the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO), UNICEF Middle East and North Africa Regional Office (MENARO), the Arab Network for Early Childhood Development (ANECD), GISP partners, and other regional collaborators.

Recordings of the three-day event can be accessed here: Day one recording, Day two recording, and Day three recording.

The PAFEC team greatly benefited from the comprehensive 3-day workshop, which delved into crucial topics including:

Collective Advocacy: Addressing misconceptions, providing sustained support throughout an individual's life, and ensuring cost-effectiveness.
Gender Roles and Norms: Encouraging male caregivers' involvement and linking interventions to outcomes related to violence against children and women.
Inclusivity: Supporting nontraditional family structures, promoting disability inclusion, and handling crisis situations effectively.
Cross-Sectoral Collaboration: Offering real-world examples of integrating cross-sectoral approaches in supporting parents and caregivers, emphasising a life course perspective.

Podcast - Episode 4: Child Protection Laws | Dr. Shahzad Mithani | Ms. Khadija Khan

28th July, 2023 - In the fourth episode of the Podcast Series in collaboration with Ibex Media Network on "Early Childhood Development" Dr. Shahzad Mithani, a Child Rights and Education Expert, discusses child rights laws in Pakistan, including Child Protection Acts. He sheds light on one of the crucial issues: the lack of awareness among parents, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, regarding the legal rights of their children. Despite the existence of comprehensive laws encompassing aspects like child protection, education, and discrimination, a significant portion of the population remains uninformed.

Dr. Shahzad emphasised that in today's digital age, ignorance is not a valid excuse. Basic information about child rights laws is readily accessible online. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach. Dr. Shahzad suggested integrating education about child rights into the curriculum of schools, colleges, and universities. Government institutions, such as public service commissions can play a pivotal role in ensuring that future officials are well- versed in these laws.

However, for the existing uneducated or undereducated parents, Dr. Shahzad stressed the need for targeted awareness campaigns. These campaigns should be designed to be easily understandable, utilising language and mediums accessible to the grassroots level. Community outreach programmes, local workshops, and collaboration with grassroots organisations can bridge the gap between legal intricacies and practical understanding.

Watch the full video here: Child Protection Laws

National Multi-sectoral Nutrition Programme to Reduce Stunting &

Other Forms of Malnutrition

24th July, 2023 - Ms. Khadija attended the launch of the National Multi-sectoral Nutrition Programme to Reduce Stunting & Other Forms of Malnutrition. This programme is part of the ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives(MoPD&Sis), in collaboration with key partners, to tackle the challenges related to malnutrition.

The initiative involves a comprehensive approach, focusing on promoting healthy dietary practices, preventing and treating wasting and stunting, addressing local cases with local solutions, advocacy, fostering public-private partnerships, and giving priority to early childhood development. Specifically, the programme will be implemented in 36 districts heavily impacted by high stunting rates, floods, and poverty.

By concentrating efforts in these areas, the initiative aims to improve nutrition outcomes significantly. It emphasises collaboration, aiming to create sustainable solutions for the communities and enhance the overall health and well-being of the population.