The first ‘Play to Learn’ Summit was successfully organized in Shillong, highlighting the crucial role of play in young children’s overall development. The Summit was presented by Government of Meghalaya, Meghalaya Early Childhood Development Mission (MECDM) and Meghalaya Health Systems Strengthening Project (MHSSP) in collaboration with Sesame Workshop India Trust with funding support from SBI Foundation and the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance.
Meghalaya is launching its first-ever Early Childhood Development Mission (MECDM), aiming to enhance children’s lifelong potential by providing crucial development support from conception to eight years old, benefiting caregivers, children aged 0-8, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
The mission aims to transform Anganwadi Centers into ECD Centers, providing comprehensive support in nutrition, cognitive development, socio-emotional learning, and foundational development for future success. Prioritizing community-based and home-based ECD activities, women’s self-help groups and father’s circles will serve as support groups for caregivers. In a video message to the organizers of the summit, Mr. Conrad Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya gave an inspiring oration in which he said, “The Meghalaya Early Childhood Development Mission is dedicated to nurturing a child’s holistic growth during their formative years.”
