The First Lady, Dr Mrs Ernestina Naadu Mills on Thursday inspected two early childhood education centres being built in Kumasi under the Millennium Cities Initiative (MCI) sited at Asem and Dompoase.

The MCI is a partnership between the Israeli Government and the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA). It involves the provision of adequate structures and the supply of relevant teaching and learning aids, as well as a special training course for selected teachers in Israel.

It is meant to build the capacity of Kindergarten teachers, support and strengthen early childhood development in the metropolis.

Dr. Mrs. Naadu Mills was accompanied by the Israeli Ambassador, Madam Sharon Bar-li, Dr. Kwaku Agyemang-Mensah, Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr. Samuel Sarpong, the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) and Mr. Kingsley Onyinah, the Regional Education Director.

The First Lady used the opportunity to interact with the kids and to assess at first hand the effectiveness of the pedagogy used by the teachers.

The teaching and learning is more practical and participatory, and helps the kids to learn faster and work better.

She expressed satisfaction with what she saw and described the project as laudable.

She underlined the significance of early childhood education - providing solid foundation to enhance the standard of the country’s education.

She encouraged the teachers to work hard and show love for the job they are doing.

Madam Bar-li said they are happy to be associated with the effort at helping to develop education in the country.

She said, the partnership started about four years ago with the KMA and would be extended to other assemblies across the nation.*