Karachi, Pakistan: The Aga Khan University – Human Development Programme (AKU-HDP) has signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to collaborate
on the project ‘Reducing Inequalities by Enhancing Early Childhood Development for Vulnerable
Population in Pakistan’. The two-year contract was signed by Dr Salim Virani, AKU Vice Provost, Research
and UNICEF Country Representative Mr Abdullah Abdulaziz Fadil.
Early Childhood Development (ECD) is an important area of focus in developing countries, the wider Aga
Khan Development Network (AKDN), as well as around the world. This project will develop a
comprehensive ECD manual that will provide guidance on all elements of the nurturing care framework
as well as other cross-cutting themes for promoting the optimal development of children from birth to
eight years. The project will establish a sustainable network of ECD master trainers for ongoing
knowledge dissemination.
Dr Salman Kirmani, Interim- Director at AKU-HDP said: “The Human Development Programme at Aga
Khan University has always stood up for the most vulnerable amongst us, and I am thrilled to partner
with UNICEF on this vital project.’Reducing Inequalities by Enhancing Early Childhood Development for
Vulnerable Populations in Pakistan’ is a significant step towards ensuring that every child, regardless of
their background, has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. Together, we are
committed to creating a brighter future for the children of Pakistan.”
In addition, Dr Salim Virani remarked, “Early Child Development (ECD) is an important area of focus in
the world, especially in the developing countries. Healthy development in early years provides a strong
foundation for lifelong health, educational achievement, economic productivity, responsible citizenship,
and successful parenting of the next generation. That is why investing in the development of young
children maximizes their future well-being.”
In this project, AKU-HDP will develop ECD educational materials, including modules. The project will also
include the creation of a guidebook on ECD in emergency situations. ECD workers across Pakistan will be
trained on these modules to help institutional and local authorities plan, coordinate, monitor, and
evaluate ECD programmes. AKU-HDP will use existing data for decision-making to improve the outcomes
of young children, as well as conduct operational research, generate evidence and knowledge
management for decision-making to improve child development outcomes.
UNICEF Regional Head, Mr Abdullah Abdulaziz Fadil said, “We need to make ECD an indigenous concept.
The most basic caring practices are missing in our routine. We need to demystify ECD and bring ideas
from the Globe into it and work on them from within the community.”
Collaborations, such as the current partnership between UNICEF-Pakistan and AKU’s Human
Development Programme, which has resulted in projects such as ‘Reducing Inequalities by Enhancing
Early Childhood Development for Vulnerable Population in Pakistan’ are key to realizing full human
potential. Such programmes benefit not only ordinary Pakistani children, but also those who are often
denied the opportunity that every child deserves.
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