Jericho Relief and Development Organization has raised concern over the shortage of trained Early Childhood Development caregivers, saying the gap is affecting services for young children.

The concern was raised during a five-day caregivers’ training underway in Dzaleka.

Jericho Relief Board Chairperson George Mkandawire said children need proper care and support during their early years.

He said training caregivers is necessary because the first years of a child’s life shape their learning and development.

Memory M’dala, one of the caregivers taking part in the training, called on the government to train more special-needs teachers.

She said ECD centres need more teachers who can support children with disabilities.

The training is expected to improve the skills of caregivers working with young children in Dzaleka.