Importance of Early Childhood Development

Recognizing the
Importance of Early
Childhood
Development
Be it at an early age or adult life, physical and mental health of every individual is important. In
this article, however, we will focus on Early Childhood Development (ECD) which according to
WHO, is until 8 years of age.

Every child’s development begins in the womb. As their body begins to develop during initial
stages, they not only need constant care but also need quality provisions such as hygiene, diet
and a good environment. According to World Health Organisation (WHO) fact sheet, Early
Childhood Development (ECD) takes place from birth until the child is of eight years.
World Health Day, observed last week, helps us understand and recognise the different aspects
of people’s health. Being considered as one of the top NGOs in the country, Akshaya Patra is
doing its bit by feeding millions of children every day with nutritious wholesome meals and the
organisation would like to reiterate a few factors that play an important role in the
development of every child.
Child’s health
The initial stage of a child is sensitive and vulnerable – the child would need constant care as
they go through feeding and development. Through clean water and good food, a child’s health
can be prioritized. However, the most important checklist to ensure every child is healthy is
vaccinations against infections and diseases. One of India’s wide spread case was polio and in
The Akshaya Patra Foundation ©2017

2014, WHO reported that India was polio-free (after having no fresh reports for three
consecutive years).
Environment & experiences
Child’s environment and the experiences they go through help them in developing their mind.
Let’s say, a child is visiting a park – the kind of environment, conversations, experiences and
observations will define a child’s understanding about the surrounding. Therefore, it is very
crucial to expose the child to a positive environment and also help them and allow them to
experience different aspects of life – childhood and learning.
Education
Schools expose children different people, different subjects and will also brighten their mind
with knowledge. The ECD phase (when the child is in primary school), they start forming
discovering different subjects and topics of interest.
How is Akshaya Patra playing a role in children’s life?
The Akshaya Patra Foundation is an NGO in India feeding over 1.6 million school children every
day with nutritious meals. The organisation takes pride in having encouraged millions of
children, through mid-day meals, to enroll in schools and be a part of education system. With
support from government, corporates, donors and many volunteers who have contributed to
the cause, the organisation has grown in leaps and bounds. Today, the organisation is feeding
the children in 11 states of India with Mid-Day Meal and Anganwadi feeding programme.
You can take part in our charity fundraising.
The Akshaya Patra Foundation ©2017