MILLICENT HUNGWE
SolidarMed has officially handed over a newly constructed Early Childhood Development (ECD) playing centre at one of the oldest medical institutions in Bikita District, Silveira Mission Hospital.
The facility which was handed over on Thursday last week is designed to provide a nurturing environment for young children, promoting their cognitive, physical, and emotional growth.
According to SolidarMed Project Manager Dr Cordelia Kunzekwenyika, the ECD centre aims to bridge the gap in early childhood development, catering for unborn babies to completion of the ECD programme.
“We emphasize the importance of maternal-child interaction, starting from pregnancy, to foster healthy development.
“Our care groups, established at the onset of the project, focus on educating mothers on nutrition, childcare, and preparation of homemade nutritious meals using local ingredients,” she explained.
The play centre, is also designed to accommodate sick children admitted at the hospital, is expected to accelerate their recovery process.
Assistant Manager Thandiwe Sithole noted, “This facility will provide a safe and stimulating space for our young patients to play, learn, and recover.”
The hospital’s Matron, Sister Dorothy Makuvise, expressed her gratitude for the new facility, which is anticipated to have a profound impact on the community.
The District Nursing Officer Zhou Shumbayawonda and District Nutritionist, Advance Zidya also commended SolidarMed for their contribution, highlighting the benefits of cognitive development, physical fitness, and rehabilitation exercises that the play centre will provide.
