Children from Yabrang and Phimsong chiwogs in Trashigang’s Phongmey Gewog will soon have access to an Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) centre, providing much-needed childcare and early learning support for farming families. The centre’s main structure has been completed with Nu 1.5 million from the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, with safety facilities and a playground still to be developed. The centre is expected to benefit nearly 20 children, whose parents often leave them with elderly grandparents or at home while working in the fields. Parents say the facility will provide a safer environment for their children to learn while allowing them to focus on their livelihoods. Once the remaining facilities are completed, the centre will initially operate as a mobile ECCD centre, with a facilitator from Saling ECCD centre visiting at least once a week. Based on enrolment and the centre’s sustainability, the district may later propose its conversion into a formal ECCD centre with a dedicated facilitator.
