2013年-世界发展银行全球_The_Solomon_Islands_Early_Childhood_Development___SABER_and_NSA-ECD_Country_Report_2013_38页_1mb

Summary of Early Childhood Development (ECD) in the Solomon Islands

Core Content

The report provides an analysis of the Early Childhood Development (ECD) subsector in the Solomon Islands, focusing on policy goals, implementation, and the challenges in establishing an enabling environment for young children. It is a collaborative effort between UNICEF and the World Bank Group, using the SABER-ECD framework and the UNICEF National Situational Analysis-ECD (NSA-ECD) tool. The findings are formally endorsed by the Ministry of Education, Human Resources, and Development (MEHRD).

Main Policy Goals

The report outlines three core policy goals for ECD in the Solomon Islands:

1. Establishing an Enabling Environment
2. Implementing Widely
3. Monitoring and Ensuring Quality

These goals are essential for achieving optimal ECD outcomes and are interlinked, requiring an integrated approach.

Key Findings

1. Establishing an Enabling Environment

• Legal Framework: While some national policies exist, such as the National Children's Policy and the National Early Childhood Education Policy Statement, they are not yet fully endorsed or implemented. There is no legal mandate for free preprimary education, and the National Food Security, Food Safety, and Nutrition Policy 2010-2015 has not been finalized.
• Health and Nutrition: The Solomon Islands has a high rate of child stunting (49%) and anemia in children and women. Although policies promote breastfeeding and iodization, they lack regulatory enforcement. The government has not ratified the International Code of Breast Milk Substitutes, which could strengthen breastfeeding practices.
• Child Protection: The CRC is ratified, but the implementation of child protection policies remains limited. There are no specific policies for orphans and vulnerable children, and while the National Children's Policy includes provisions for child advocates and training for judges, these have not been fully realized.
• Parental Leave: Paid maternity leave is available for public sector workers, but not for all workers. Paternal leave is not provided. The policy does not specify the duration of breastfeeding breaks or how long the benefit lasts.

2. Implementing Widely

• Service Coverage: Essential ECD services are not adequately accessible, especially for children in rural and poor communities. The coverage of ECCE services is low, and there is a significant gap in access and outcomes.
• Community Involvement: ECD services are largely community-managed, but there is no formal agreement between MEHRD and local communities for financial support or resource allocation.
• Intersectoral Gaps: Despite the National Children's Policy promoting an integrated approach, coordination across sectors (education, health, nutrition, social protection) is informal and limited, particularly at the subnational level.

3. Monitoring and Ensuring Quality

• Data Collection: There is a lack of comprehensive data on ECD service access and quality. While some data exist, they are not regularly collected or monitored at the local level.
• Quality Standards: The education sector has developed quality standards for ECD services, but these are not enforced at the community level. There is a need for mechanisms to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
• Performance Monitoring: The report highlights the importance of regular monitoring and assessment systems to evaluate the effectiveness of ECD interventions and ensure quality across all sectors.

Key Policies and Legislation

The following policies and laws govern ECD in the Solomon Islands:

• National Children's Policy with National Plan of Action (April 2010)
• National Early Childhood Education Policy Statement (April 2008)
• National Food Security, Food Safety & Nutrition Policy (2010-2015)
• National Development Strategy (2011-2020)
• National Education Action Plan (2013-2015)
• Solomon Islands Breastfeeding Policy (1995)
• Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) (ratified in 1995)
• Birth Registration Act (effective since 2008)
• National Health Report (2011)
• Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI)
• Public Service Unified Salary Structure (2010)
• MEHRD: Early Childhood Budget
• MEHRD: Teacher's Appraisal
• Health and Sanitation Program: Multi-Year Work Plan (2011-2012)

Regional Comparison

Policy Lever Levels of Development

Conclusion

The Solomon Islands has made progress in recognizing the importance of ECD through various policies and frameworks. However, the implementation of these policies remains limited, with gaps in legal frameworks, intersectoral coordination, and financial investment. Strengthening these areas is crucial for ensuring that all children, especially the most vulnerable, have access to quality ECD services. The report emphasizes the need for a more integrated and coordinated approach across all relevant sectors to achieve better outcomes for young children.