A Thematic Analysis to Explore the Challenges of Early Childhood Care And Education In Azad Jammu & Kashmir
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Abstract
The study was planned and executed in Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan. Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) is one of the most significant educational levels that sets the foundation of human life. Many studies proved that those children who have access to quality early education, have a better understanding of life and are found to be law obeying human beings. This study is planned to identify and explore the challenges of ECCE in Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan. The study will be an important addition to the existing literature. A qualitative method was adopted. There were school heads, principals, tehsil, and district heads of the educational administration whose interviews were conducted. Additionally, some open-ended questions were asked of respondents during the survey. Sampling was performed in two phases. The study concluded that there are major challenges in infrastructure, curriculum framework, professional teachers, and budget in Azad Jammu & Kashmir. It is recommended that the government of Azad Jammu & Kashmir along with relevant quarters plan to allocate more funds to the ECCE. It is also recommended that the government request international donors and other funding agencies to overcome the overwhelming challenges of infrastructure to provide comfortable and safe shelter to the children. Awareness about child rights may also be published at the state level to sensitize the masses about the significance of child rights.
Keywords
Learning, Education, Childhood, Care, Challenges
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