We recognised that many children in the markets where Prudential operates are not supported through the early years of their lives. This has the tragic effect of many children not obtaining the necessary skills to handle the challenges of primary school, resulting in high drop-out rates.
The most critical brain development occurs from conception to age three, which is why good care and stimulation for this age group is so important. There is strong global evidence that early educational interventions can improve children’s development and better prepare them for school. Furthermore, parents and caregivers are children’s first and best teachers. Good parenting skills are linked to improved school attendance and better results.
So in response, we partnered with Save the Children who developed First Read, an innovative and holistic home-based early childhood care and development (ECCD) programme. First Read is designed to empower parents and caregivers to help young children develop essential literacy skills, preparing them for school and life.