Deputy Director of Child Affairs in the Ministry of Gender Justin Hamera has however told us in an interview that the ministry has proposed to the Ministry of Finance to consider 3 thousand more trained caregivers noting that the process is gradual.

``So we have about 20 thousand caregivers in the country. Of these, 2 thousand started last year receiving honoraria from government. And, this year, we have asked the ministry of finance to consider adding 3 thousand more so that all caregivers start accessing it,” said Hamera.

Early Childhood Development has over the years faced challenges including proper learning environment and incentives for caregivers which governments have been promising to improve.

Help a Child Malawi is one of the country's non-governmental organizations that provide financial support for the construction of more centers in the country like Chivungulu and Chivwanyumu in Rumphi so that children learn in a conducive environment.

Country director of Help a Child Malawi Prince Kasinja says investment in early child care is critical for the development of the country

Explained Kasinja: ``We believe in the holistic approach of developing a child. If we want to help society or develop it, the best way is to educate a child hence these initiatives”.

In the 2022/2023 national budget government has allocated K480 million which translates to K15,000 per month for 2,000 caregivers.