A strategic roadmap ensuring that all Samoan children receive quality learning opportunities, healthcare, and protection called the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Framework 2024-2034 was launched by Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa on Tuesday.

This decade-long initiative is designed to provide every Samoan child with access to the fundamental resources necessary for growth, learning, and holistic development from infancy. 

Fiame reaffirmed the government’s dedication to prioritising children's well-being and comprehensive development. 

"The first years of life are critical in shaping a child’s ability to learn, grow, and contribute to society. We must invest in our children now to secure a stronger, more prosperous Samoa for future generations,” she said. 

Samoa does not have a compulsory requirement for children to attend early childhood education or preschool and there is not much focus on training teachers for the purpose. There is also no help given to existing pre-schools and centres providing early childhood education.

Recent statistics show that only 26 per cent of children in Samoa attend kindergartens and pre-school.

The ECD Framework 2024-2034 is a collaborative national effort developed in partnership with UNICEF.

Fiame recognised the crucial role of local and international partners in advancing early childhood development and called for a collective effort from all sectors of society. 

She said parents and caregivers must actively engage in their children's growth through conversation, reading, and nurturing. Village leaders were encouraged to champion early childhood initiatives within their communities, while educators and health workers were urged to ensure that quality services reach every child. 

She appealed to development partners and stakeholders to commit to sustained investments in early childhood development, reinforcing the importance of unified action for a brighter future.

"We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the future of Samoa through bold, collective action," she said.

"Investing in early childhood development is not an expense—it is an investment in a healthier, more educated, and more prosperous Samoa."

The Framework outlines a structured plan to strengthen early childhood development by focusing on five key areas. 

It aims to expand access to quality education and improve teacher training, enhance healthcare and nutrition programs to support children's wellbeing and implement strong child protection measures for a safe environment. It promotes active parental and community involvement in early development and ensures equitable learning opportunities for all children, regardless of background.

The framework’s rollout will span Upolu and Savai'i, with community engagement workshops planned across all 51 districts of Samoa.

UNICEF Pacific Representative Jonathan Veitch said every child deserved to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment with access to quality education and healthcare. 

"UNICEF stands alongside Samoa in making this vision a reality," he said.

Samoa is set to host the Pacific Island ECD Forum in May 2025, bringing together representatives from 15 Pacific island nations.