Bangladesh ECD Network BEN Mohammad Mohsin Early Childhood

Bangladesh ECD Network (BEN) Mohammad Mohsin Early Childhood Development Specialist UNICEF, Bangladesh & Member, Executive Committee, BEN 1

Bangladesh ECD Network: An Introduction Bangladesh ECD Network (BEN) is a forum of government, non-government, academic, professional and UN agencies including development partners engaged in promoting ECD in Bangladesh. 2

Inception of the Network • Initiative was taken in 2002 to form a Network of ECD stakeholders in Bangladesh with the support from UNICEF-Dhaka as an activity of the national ECD project implemented by Bangladesh Shishu Academy (the national academy for children) • Fifteen other developing organizations were active partners of this initiative • They identified ECD stakeholders over the country through a survey Current Members 232 organizations working in the field of ECD in Bangladesh. 3

Goal of the Network The overall goal of BEN is to encourage and support the governmental, non-governmental, national and international organizations and partners and other relevant actors in their commitment and investment in ECD in Bangladesh 4

Key Objectives of the Network • To advocate for ECD with policymakers and stakeholders • To promote public awareness • To strengthen ECD capacity in Bangladesh • Support the establishment of a solid knowledge base and organisational culture on ECD • Sharing information & assist ECD stakeholders to gain access to new information and knowledge on ECD; and • Develop generic guidelines 5

Executive Committee of the Network Consists of the Chairperson , the Vice Chairpersons, the Treasurer, the Member Secretary, and Committee Members - elected periodically to serve for a period of 3 years. Current Executive Committee Members: 24 • Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Go. B • Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, Go. B • National NGO • Local NGO • UN Organization • International NGO • Academic Institutions 6

The Secretariat A secretariat has been established to support the network under supervision of the Executive Committee. In order to ensure the sustainability and continuity of the secretariat, the ECD Network secretariat has been located at the Institute of Educational Development, BRAC University 7

BEN Regional Hub To facilitate easy communication and better access between the regions and BEN members, nine regional hubs across the country have been formed. No. Region Responsible Host Organization 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Barisal Speed Trust Chittagong Shongshoptaque No. of BEN members in the Region 15 20 Chittagong Hill Tract Integrated Community Development Project (ICDP) 01 Dhaka Ahsania Mission 79 Khulna Jagoroni Chakra Foundation 35 Netrokona Shabolombi Unnayan Samity (SUS) 11 Rajshahi ALWO 26 Rangpur RDRS Bangladesh 36 Sylhet FIVDB 09 Total BEN Members 232 8

Initiatives of BEN for Advocacy Knowledge and innovation sharing sessions 9

BEN Website www. ecd-bangladesh. net 10

BEN Directory 11

BEN Logo 12

ECD Theme Song 13

Folder 14

Sticker 15

Poster 16

Banner & Festoon 17

Newsletter 18

BEN Progress Report 19

Desk Calendar 20

BEN with Government in Policy Development Operational Framework for Pre-Primary Education BEN had a significant role in formulating the policy and operational framework for pre-primary education which was approved by Mo. PME in March 2008. 21

GO-NGO Collaboration Guideline BEN formulated GO/NGO Collaboration Guidelines following the approved Operational Framework on Pre -Primary Education. The Guidelines have been approved by the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education in June 2011. GO-NGO Collaboration Implementation Plan In 2012, the Government has approved a GO/NGO collaboration implementation plan which will facilitate collaboration between Government and Non. Government organizations in Pre-Primary education in Bangladesh. 22

Comprehensive ECCD Policy Framework The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (Mo. WCA) initiated the preparation of a comprehensive Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) policy in Bangladesh, as part of the UNICEF supported ELCD Project. BEN’s role has been instrumental in drafting the policy document along with other stakeholders. The policy document is in its final stage to be approved by the cabinet. National Children Policy 2010 BEN contributed to the National Children Policy 2010 by giving feedback in the Seminar on the policy by forming a group from BEN Executive Committee to provide formal feedback. 23

ELDS (Early Learning Development Standards) Document § Developed by a technical team with the representation of Government and BEN § Shared with the professionals from different disciplines § Shared in the Inter-Ministerial workgroup § Validation is due and will be done through a technical expert group. 24

Interim Package on Pre-Primary Curriculum BEN was closely involved in preparing an Interim Curriculum Package (2010 -2011) for preprimary. This interim curriculum of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) is under use now by the Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) untill a new modified package is in place by 2013. 25

National Pre-Primary Curriculum BEN has an active participation in the Curriculum working group led by National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) in formulating the National Pre-Primary Curriculum as part of the Third Primary Education Development Program (PEDP 3)- 20112016. Through continuous participation and feedback BEN has played a significant role in the development of the National Pre-Primary Curriculum 26