About the ECCE Center at Makerere University

The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Center at Makerere University is mandated to conduct capacity-building activities and research in the area of  Early Childhood Care and Education. ECCE encompasses a child's cognitive, linguistic, social-emotional, and physical development during their formative years (from prenatal to eight years old). This period represents a critical window of opportunity for shaping a child's overall well-being, future learning potential, and lifelong success. The ECCE Center at Makerere University plays a pivotal role in promoting effective and evidence-based policies, programs, and practices that support ECCE in Uganda. The following are the key activities of the ECCE Center at Makerere University:

1.     Evidence-based policy and program development: The ECCE Center at Makerere University is serving as a hub for generating, synthesizing, and disseminating high-quality research on early childhood care and education. This research is providing policymakers and practitioners with evidence-based guidance to design and implement interventions that effectively support young children's holistic development.

2.     Capacity building and professional development: The center is offering professional development opportunities and capacity-building programs for ECCE practitioners, educators, and caregivers. These initiatives are improving the knowledge, skills, and competencies of those working with young children, leading to higher-quality ECCE services.

3.     Advocacy and awareness-raising: The center is playing an essential role in raising public awareness about the importance of early childhood care and education and advocating for increased investment in ECCE policies and programs. Greater understanding and support from the public and policymakers are leading to more significant resources allocated to ECCE, benefiting children, families, and society as a whole.

4.     Monitoring and evaluation: The center is contributing to the development of robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks for ECCE programs and interventions. By tracking progress and assessing the effectiveness of various approaches, the center is helping to identify best practices, areas for improvement, and lessons learned, ultimately leading to more efficient and impactful ECCE services.

5.     Fostering collaboration and networking: The center is facilitating collaboration and networking among ECCE stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and civil society organizations. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, the center is fostering innovative solutions and encouraging the sharing of knowledge and experiences, enhancing the overall effectiveness of ECCE initiatives.

6.     Context-specific solutions: The ECCE Center at Makerere University is providing valuable insights into local and regional contexts, ensuring that ECCE policies and programs are culturally sensitive, relevant, and responsive to the unique needs of the communities they serve.


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