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Pamela Shumba, Senior Reporter
THE Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in partnership with Unicef has developed 16 illustrated storybooks for children aged between one and six years, designed to support Early Childhood Development (ECD) and foster a love for learning among children.

The storybooks were developed during a week-long workshop for Zimbabwean artists, photographers and graphic designers.

The inclusive workshop, the first in the country, brought together a cross section of creative artists and education specialists, including people living with disabilities from various parts of the country to share their talents, ideas and experiences.

Unicef chief of education Ms Niki Abrishamian said the initiative will increase access of young children and their families to books, adding that the most vulnerable children will benefit from them.

“Access alone is not enough to make a difference in children’s lives but the kind of content available to them will make a difference and nurture the child’s emotional intelligence through the stories and feed their souls.

“These storybooks are developmentally appropriate, and address the unique cultural, and holistic needs of both rural and urban Zimbabwean children,” said Ms Abrishamian.

Principal Director of Primary, Secondary and Non-Formal Education in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Mr Peter Muzawazi said the storybooks were meant to support the Government’s drive to strengthen early learning development by providing children, caregivers and teachers with a rich resource of possibilities to expand their minds, nurture their language, social, emotional, cognitive and emergent literacy.

“The Ministry sees this workshop as the pioneering work in the production of the first locally developed children’s story books.

“They’ll promote early learning, address issues such as hygiene, nutrition and protection, ensure a holistic approach to supporting children’s development as well as meet the needs of children for today, tomorrow and many years to come,” said Mr Muzawazi.

—@pamelashumba1.