Kisumu County government has procured learning materials worth Sh. 21 million for distribution to Early Childhood Development (ECD) education centers in the area.
Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o said the exercise targets 681 ECD centers to ensure learners access quality education.
Speaking during the launch of the distribution exercise at his office on Thursday, Nyong’o said a total of 44,521 children will benefit from the program.
The materials among them textbooks, pencils, rulers, assorted exercise books, sharpeners, manila paper among others, he said will go a long way in boosting the quality of education in the area.
ECD, he said was critical to ensure that the learners get the right foundation as they transition to Junior School.
“ECD which is a function of the county government is very critical. That is why my government has been allocating Sh. 25 million every financial year to procure these learning materials,” he said.
The program, he said will run alongside a nutrition program to ensure that the learners have good health as they undertake their studies.
He added that the county government will construct additional ECD centers in areas that do not have public primary schools.
“We want every child to have a fair chance to get an education. That is why we are increasing stand-alone ECDs in areas where there are no primary schools,” he said.
He commended ECD teachers for doing a good job saying their effort was reflected in the performance of learners in primary and secondary schools.
The county government, he said will continue to create a conducive environment to better the quality of education in the area.