Tura, May 7: In a landmark initiative to strengthen early childhood development (ECD), Meghalaya government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BAKDIL, the social service wing of the Catholic Diocese of Tura.
The agreement, formalized during an ECD inaugural event at St. Luke’s Church in Tura, was attended by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday.
The two-year partnership will see Parish Priests, Village Catechists, Pocharoks, and Touring Sisters collaborate with the Meghalaya Early Childhood Development Mission (MECDM) to promote nurturing care, maternal health, and early learning across the five districts of Garo Hills: East, West, South, North, and South West Garo Hills.
The MoU was signed by Sampath Kumar, Principal Secretary & Development Commissioner, and Rt. Rev. Andrew R. Marak, Bishop of Tura Diocese.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma emphasized the importance of a life-cycle approach to human development, stating, “This program is part of a larger picture—the life of an individual, from conception to realizing their full potential as adults.”
He highlighted Meghalaya’s digital tools, like the MOTHER dashboard and MMDSL, which enable real-time monitoring of maternal and child health interventions, adding, “What you are doing today will be a game-changer for generations to come.”
The collaboration integrates ECD principles into church activities, including premarital courses and community outreach, leveraging the trusted role of religious institutions.
Fr. Cyril Sangma, Director of BAKDIL, stressed collective responsibility, saying, “This programme cannot succeed without your involvement.”
Bishop Andrew R. Marak echoed this, urging unified action for community betterment.
Principal Secretary Sampath Kumar underscored the societal benefits of investing in a child’s first 1,000 days, citing both neuroscientific evidence and scriptural wisdom: “Proverbs 22:6 reminds us: ‘Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.’” He encouraged religious leaders to use weekly gatherings for ECD advocacy.
The event, attended by over 100 participants, including senior officials and SHG representatives, featured a cultural performance by Balkasin SHG and a hands-on brain wiring activity to illustrate the impact of nurturing caregiving.
Discussions focused on maternal health challenges, including anaemia, mental health, and equitable parenting.
Building on last year’s successful partnership with A’chik Baptist Dal’gipa Krima (ABDK), which engaged over 200 women church leaders, this initiative positions Meghalaya as a leader in involving faith-based institutions in ECD.
Fr. Cyril Sangma concluded by assuring religious leaders of training and support, stating, “Together, we can build stronger, healthier communities.”
