The National Council of Early Childhood Education has urged the Government to provide support and help to set up more preschools for the sake of young children.

According to the latest statistics, of the 25,000 children under five years old, only 5,000 are enrolled in Early Childhood Education.

The Council's President, Lemalu Kuinimeri Tamati, told the Samoa Observer that this must be addressed immediately. She said the government's lack of support would cause it to be ignored, undermining the importance of education and every child's rights.

Speaking of the statistics, Lemalu said it was upsetting that there hasn't been any progress over time. Despite their best efforts, they haven't been able to resolve the problem since they have not received the proper assistance and support system.

"Early childhood education yields many long-term benefits for children. Offering early childhood education programs can prepare children to develop the social and emotional skills they need to succeed and graduate high school," she said.

" It will greatly contribute to children's development and help them acquire the social and emotional skills needed to excel and graduate from high school.

"Our sector of education serves young children, and if the government valued us, we would already be receiving financial help and other forms of support.

The non-paying wage voluntary preschool teachers are responsible for nurturing children from a young age and the impact of their teaching shows through the actions of the child.

Lemalu claims that out of the 125 schools under the ECE centre, only 25 fulfil the prerequisites and standards necessary for preschool education.

The new law mandates that children under the age of four must participate in early learning programmes. Despite this requirement, many four-year-olds choose to stay at home, and little action is taken to address this issue.

According to Lemalu, the government gave a grant of $141 million to MESC, NUS, and SQA in 2019 for a five-year period, which they have so far utilised for higher education and nothing for early childhood education

“We’ve made several proposals to the SQA and also the Ministry of Finance (MOF) but so far we are still waiting because we can not improve preschools if there is no money stipulated for ECE.

She further stated that many districts do not even have one preschool and that the government should take this seriously and act to set up more preschools.

“Children's lives and upbringing are being profoundly impacted because they will be the nation's future generations, and if the government doesn't prioritise this issue, preschools will never be upgraded."

When asked if the government's lack of support or the parents' actions are the main problem, Lemalu said, "It takes two to tango, and if it happens, I believe our children's lives and behaviours will be better and valued."

 “There is a lot that has to be done so that the importance of it sinks into parents' minds and they are eager to bring their children to discover the distinctions from peers and gain the exposure required for steady development.

“Parents must be reminded that their children must go through early childhood education so that by the time they enter primary school, their mentalities are prepared for broader expansion.

“To educate parents and guardians about the value of early childhood education, the MESC has to conduct more awareness campaigns and roadshows."