Pact signed for early childhood development project

The Aga Khan University - Human Development Programme (AKU-HDP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) to collaborate on the project ‘Reducing Inequalities by Enhancing Early Childhood Development for Vulnerable Population in Pakistan’. The two-year contract was signed by Dr Salim Virani, AKU Vice Provost, Research and Unicef Country Representative Mr Abdullah Abdulaziz Fadil. Mr Fadil said, “We need to make Early Childhood Development (ECD) an indigenous concept. The most basic caring practices are missing in our routine. We need to demystify ECD and bring ideas from the globe into it and work on them from within the community.” In his remarks, Dr Salman Kirmani, Interim- Director at AKU-HDP said, “The project is a significant step towards ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. Together, we are committed to creating a brighter future for the children of Pakistan.”