Early Childhood Development in Samoa has improved said the assistant chief executive officer for Social Development at the Ministry of Women, Communities, and Social Development, Sauoaiga Olive Kaio.

She made statement when asked about the 26 per cent intake at ECD level in Samoa.

"The current situation for ECD in Samoa is improving because we have launched our ECD Framework not long ago. That framework outlines all the major areas of ECD and who is responsible for each area, and who leads each sector. We've also looked into the roles that the communities play, even the church ministers, and every individual," she said. 

"From our perspective as a Ministry, there have been quite a lot of changes in terms of what we are doing. In 2017, we did a Pacific Call to Action, which was the commitment of the Pacific leaders to ECD. Since 2017, Samoa has been one of the countries that have launched their framework, which includes policies, interventions, and partnerships that are happening in the country are all under this framework. 

"I think it's safe to say that there is a big improvement, not only do we have a framework, but we also have a Child Care Protection Policy. Even though the bill is pending but there is a lot of work that we've done and we're still pushing for this bill to be passed."

The MWCSD launched 12 ECD projects in Savaii, Upolu, Manono and Apolima. 

"We did a high-level launch here at Taumeasina Island Resort, where our leaders and partners were present. We also had community launches, there were about 12 of them. Even though it was just 12 but we invited neighbouring villages within that district for the launches. That community outreach was not only for Upolu but also around Savaii, Manono and Apolima," said Sauoaiga. 

"We had the opportunity to train parents, young couples, village representatives, pre-school representatives and church ministers and their wives who showed support."

According to Sauoaiga, they don't have any intention of ending the initiative.

A summit that was held at the TATTE building on Tuesday as well. The frontliners of ECD had the opportunity to tell the leaders what they need, the challenges they are facing, where they at and so forth.

"These frontlines include those who are working in the health sector, communities, education, parents, pre-school teachers, and many others," said. 

"These people are all at TATTE with the hopes that by the end of their discussion, they will come up with a statement and present to the leaders. This is the only way their voices can be heard in these ministerial meetings, and we will see whether the leaders will consider  and commit to these efforts and challenges raised by them."