Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC)
Project Overview
The Foundation to Empower Students (FES) initiated the Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) program in Chitral, Pakistan, in partnership with the Worldwide Education Fund (WEF), USA. This transformative initiative aims to address the critical need for accessible, high-quality early childhood education in the region by establishing well-equipped learning centers tailored to the needs of young children and their families.
The ECLC program is designed to provide children aged 3 to 5 with nearby, high-quality educational opportunities. These centers offer safe, nurturing environments that support children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development, ensuring a solid foundation for their future success. Each center serves 25-30 children, delivering age-appropriate educational resources and engaging, structured activities to spark curiosity and a love for learning.
FES places a strong emphasis on empowering local educators as a cornerstone of the ECLC initiative. Through collaborations with expert organizations and support from WEF, FES provides comprehensive training for teachers, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to implement effective early childhood development (ECD) programs. This focus on teacher development ensures the program’s sustainability while fostering a culture of growth and lifelong learning in Chitral’s communities.
Current Impact
The Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) initiative is transforming early education in Chitral, providing young children with safe, nurturing environments for holistic development. With the launch of our first center, the program has become a cornerstone of accessible early learning in underserved communities.
By April 2025, we aim to establish 20 additional centers, expanding to 100 centers by 2028. This growth will benefit nearly 3,000 children and support the professional development of 100 educators, fostering local leadership and economic stability.
The ECLC initiative addresses critical educational needs, creating equitable opportunities for children to thrive and paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future in Chitral.