When Fiji’s government launched its National Early Childhood Development (ECD) Policy in December 2024, it sent a clear message: the first eight years of life matter not just for children, but for the future of the country. “Our goal is to give every child a strong and fair start in life,” says Temesia Tuicaumia, Fiji’s National ECD Advisor. “We’re integrating services across health, nutrition, learning, and care so that children can grow in safe, nurturing environments where they can thrive.” The policy is part of Fiji’s broader commitment to the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which places people and future generations at the heart of development. At the center of this effort is the National Early Childhood Advisory Committee (NEAC), which brings together the Ministries of Health, Education, and Women, Children and Social Protection. This body is responsible for planning, delivering, and monitoring integrated services that support children’s full development from birth to age 8. But while the policies and plans are ambitious, the lived experiences of families and educators bring the story to life. Maria Wata, a mother of three, sees the difference early learning has made in her family. Her two sons attended the Delaivalelevu Mobile Kindy, a community-based, traveling preschool service that reaches children in informal settlements. “One of my sons is now in Year 6 and the other is in Year 1 at Gospel Samabula,” she says proudly. “Their early learning really helped shape them not just academically, but socially too.” Her youngest daughter is now enrolled in the same program. “The curriculum and extra activities built their confidence and skills. I always go back and share how well my sons are doing. I wish more children had this chance through better access to learning materials and more play-based learning.” On the frontlines of learning At the heart of this impact is Sereana Tabanivesi, an early childhood educator working with Mobile Kindy. “We focus on children aged 3 and 4 years because the system often starts at age 5,” she explains. “But those earlier years are critical for brain development and lifelong learning.” Mobile Kindy uses songs, stories, group activities, and even local languages to teach foundational skills. But despite its value, Sereana says the early childhood sector faces major problems. “There’s a shortage of qualified early childhood teachers. Some centers don’t even have proper facilities. Salaries are low, and sometimes we’re not recognized for the work we do, especially out in the field. But we do it for the children.” Fiji’s policy acknowledges these challenges. One of its top priorities is to train and support ECD workers. Another is to expand access to remote, rural, and informal communities. “In some maritime areas, there are no trained teachers or materials. In settlements, safe classrooms don’t exist. Transport and poverty also keep children out of programs,” Tuicaumia adds. “We are addressing this through innovative models like Mobile Kindy and with upcoming standards under our new Early Childhood Care (ECC) Regulatory Framework, developed with the International Finance Corporation(IFC).” Addressing trauma and building resilience But it’s not just about learning and play. Fiji is also grappling with high levels of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), including parental separation, domestic violence, and abuse. A recent report highlighted alarming statistics: Verbal abuse (23%) Parental separation (20%) Domestic violence (16%) Mental illness and alcohol abuse (14% each) Sexual abuse (10%) “We’re not just talking about school readiness,” says Tuicaumia. “We’re talking about mental health, safety, and long-term well-being. Children who go through trauma early in life may struggle in school, relationships, and employment later on.” “We cannot value what we don’t know,” he adds. “Awareness is the first step toward change.” Samoa’s vision: From the village up Across the ocean in Samoa, a similar transformation is underway. The country’s newly endorsed National ECD Policy Framework marks a shift from fragmented services to a unified, cross-sector approach grounded in culture and community. “We’ve moved from working in silos to a national strategy that connects health, education, child protection, and community development,” says Loau Donina Va’a, CEO of Samoa’s Ministry of Women, Community, and Social Development. Samoa’s goals include expanding access to quality early learning, promoting inclusive services that support children with disabilities and those in vulnerable situations among others. One standout feature of Samoa’s approach is the deep integration of cultural knowledge and traditional values. “ECD in Samoa is grounded in who we are as a people,” says Va’a. “We’re training caregivers to use Samoan oral traditions, songs, and storytelling. Village councils and women’s committees promote positive parenting, child safety, and early stimulation.” The extended family (aiga) is recognized as the child’s first teacher. Through faith-based parenting programs, scripture and cultural wisdom are used to guide nurturing care. Samoa has also embedded ECD in its District Development Program, which allocates resources at the local level and encourages community-led investment in young children. As the host of the upcoming Pacific ECD Conference, Samoa hopes to spotlight solutions and inspire shared commitment across the region. “We want to elevate the voices of frontline workers and caregivers,” says Va’a. “We need stronger solidarity, funding, and action especially for children in remote communities.” Both Fiji and Samoa agree on the top regional needs; technical support and workforce development, cross-country learning exchanges, data systems to track children’s growth and inform planning and sustainable financing for inclusive programs. “We believe the future of the Blue Pacific begins in the early years,” Tuicaumia says. “Our culture, our economy, and our resilience, it all starts with our children.” As the Pacific proverb reminds us: “It takes a village to raise a child.” In the islands, that village is growing stronger every day.