The CG on ECCD: Developing Our Strategy

Context setting The Consultative Group works at to facilitate global understanding of the importance of ECCD for social development and poverty reduction and to advocate for improved investments, policies and actions to support the holistic development of young children. The new strategy is being developed in consultation and collaboration with the CG’s partners and Board and will draw upon others as needed Today we are seeking your inputs and ideas on the new strategy and on priority areas and activities for the coming three years

The Mission Statement and The Unique Role of the CG “To improve Early Childhood policy and practice in the Majority World through promoting a wider dialogue among practitioners, researchers, and international agencies; through the generation and synthesis of knowledge; and through dissemination and advocacy activities”. 25 years serving as a common platform around which ECCD actors come together, exchange, reflect and synthesise current and emerging issues The CG consortium applies expertise in advocacy for policy development, program innovation, research and capacity building both through Secretariat efforts and importantly through its partners working on the ground across countries and regions

The Current Objectives Knowledge Generation and Dissemination Contribute to the development of a diverse global knowledge base on ECCD through analysis, synthesis and dissemination which is accessible and used by a wide range of actors and stakeholders. Communications and Advocacy Facilitate a broad-based global understanding of the critical importance of ECCD to social development and poverty reduction and advocate for improved investments, policies and actions to support the holistic development of young children. Capacity Building Strengthen national and regional capacities to generate and disseminate knowledge, share information and advocate for the support of children’s overall development.

The Four Cornerstones Framework 4 Cornerstones to Secure a Strong Foundation for Young Children Cornerstone 1: Start at the Beginning Cornerstone 2: Get ready for success Cornerstone 3: Improve primary school quality Cornerstone 4: Include EC in policies

New Strategy: Proposed Reformulation Reflection by Secretariat and Board: Cornerstones as the Objectives, and the Current objectives as Strategies

Matrix for CG Strategic Plan Start at Beginning Get Ready for success Ensure Quality at Primary Policy Knowledge Generation & Dissemination CaribbeanAfrica Latin America Arab RegionCN issues Communication & Advocacy Latin AmericaTurkeyISSA ARNEC Africa ARNEC Rockhopper Capacity Building Training for Journalists, ECD advocates ISSA Caribbean ISSALatin America

Today’s Group Work Everyone to select one Cornerstone Group Use matrix as framework to discuss priorities, needs, ideas for CGECCD over next three years Think about the field of Early Childhood in the coming years and the possible role of the CGECCD

Keep in Mind: Key Areas and Issues: Strengthening Regional and National Networks Examples of Thematic Areas (past, current, emerging) ☼ECCD Monitoring, Standards and Indicators ☼ Leadership in ECCD ☼ Climate Change and the implications for programming ☼ Gender ☼ HIV/AIDS ☼ ECCD costing, financing ☼ ECCD in Emergencies ☼ Protection and Inclusion Some of these taken up through Working Groups…other possible mechanisms for future?

Positioning the CGECCD: Challenges and Opportunities  How to measure and report on our expected outcomes?  What resources are required for the CG to undertake the new strategy (e.g. Staff)  What about mobilising resources for our new strategy  Diversifying partnerships and resource base  Tracking and reporting on our work – transparency and accountability