Bolivia will implement a model program for early childhood development

Bolivia will implement a model program for early childhood development
Source: Inter-American Development Bank
Published Thursday, May 24, 2012 - 09:42

A $20 million IDB loan will promote cognitive development, socio-emotional and physical development of children under 4 years old

Bolivia will implement a model program for early childhood development to improve access and quality of care for more than 25,000 children under 4 years old, with a $20 million loan approved by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Although it is still among the lowest-income countries in Latin America, Bolivia is substantially increasing its investment in programs to reduce poverty and inequality, and has been expanding access to social services for vulnerable segments of the population. By supporting the expansion of early childhood development programs, Bolivia seeks to eliminate one of the causes of the inter-generational transmission of poverty and develop human capital at a stage in life when such interventions are very cost-effective.

"Strengthening health programs, nutrition, early stimulation and counseling of parents during early childhood not only yields better results than at any later stage of life,” said Julia Johannsen, the IDB project team leader. “It is also an investment in the country's future."

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http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/50419