The Communication Initiative
Development action with informed and engaged societies
The Communication Initiative
After nearly 28 years, The Communication Initiative (The CI) Global is entering a new chapter. Following a period of transition, the global website has been transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, where it will be administered by the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Division. Wits' commitment to social change and justice makes it a trusted steward for The CI's legacy and future.
 
Co-founder Victoria Martin is pleased to see this work continue under Wits' leadership. Victoria knows that co-founder Warren Feek (1953–2024) would have felt deep pride in The CI Global's Africa-led direction.
 
We honour the team and partners who sustained The CI for decades. Meanwhile, La Iniciativa de Comunicación (CILA) continues independently at cila.comminitcila.com and is linked with The CI Global site.
Time to read
1 minute
Print
a- a+
Published 13 years ago
Last updated 1 year ago
Read so far

Iniciativa de la Primera Infancia (Early Childhood Initiative): An Investment for Life

0 comments

This project seeks to implement policies and programmes developed for early education, with the aim of providing young children proper nutrition, health care, and a stimulating environment from birth until the age of six. It is a joint initiative launched in February 2010 by the World Bank and childhood advocacy organisation, ALAS, founded by the singer Shakira.

The programme has been implemented in most countries in the region through loans or technical assistance. Argentina, Brazil, Haiti, Mexico, and Peru benefit through loans and grants. Colombia, Jamaica, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Nicaragua, among others, receive technical assistance. The countries have programmes to encourage the conditions for the growth of their youngest citizens, strengthening nutrition and health while working with mothers as a key to ensure effective progress.

Communication Strategies

The project aims to mobilise all sectors of society regarding the implementation of well articulated and efficient policies and programmes for early childhood development (ECD) that equalise opportunities for low-income children from the beginning of their lives.

 

In addition to providing funds to the participating countries, the Early Childhood Initiative works together with the ECD Secretariat for Latin America and the Caribbean, a platform founded by ALAS and the Earth Institute, including delegates of the governments of Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, and Paraguay, in order to identify best practices and pilot projects for children under 6 years of age.

 

In addition, ALAS has established an Early Childhood Development Community. Responding to the interest shown throughout the region, the Early Childhood Initiative established an open group of experts and professionals in ECD from over 17 countries to share their knowledge and discuss issues relevant ECD regularly within their own community of practice, which currently has 950 members.

Development Issues

Early Childhood Education, Nutrition, Health.

Key Points

This initiative helps the expansion of ECD programmes in the region, where 9 million children under 5 suffer from chronic malnutrition, and 22 million lack basic early care. According to World Bank data, during the first year of programme implementation, several governments in Latin America and the Caribbean received a one third of the initial commitment for the first three years of support of policies and programmes for ECD.

Partners

World Bank, ALAS.

Sources

The World Bank website and the Fundación ALAS website on January 4 2013.