On a chilly Friday weather, parents, Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Teachers and children gathered at Pitso ground in Mokhotlong town to celebrate ECCD day.

Children clad in different Careers attire, that included police, soldiers, nurses and doctors’ uniform and performed poems and dramas carrying messages that created awareness of their right to be registered and obtain documents that identify them like birth certificates, the right to education, health, play and others.

The National Teacher Trainer from the Department of Education and Training in Mokhotlong, Ms. Selloane Nts'oane said the purpose of the day was to further raise awareness about the importance of early childhood education and to encourage parents to bring children to pre-schools.

Ms. Nts'oane said the issue of wearing career attires was made to encourage children to attend school and stay until they attain a qualification that will enable them to become responsible citizens of the country.

One of the grandparents 'Mamotoboli Motoboli of Limapong, Moremoholo said she is taking care of her grandchild and makes sure that the child attends pre-school to allow her to adapt to the school environment at an early stage. She encouraged parents to bring children to school to learn and play with others.

ECCD rallies are annual events held on April 19 as part of a broader multi sectoral approach involving the Ministry of Education and Training, non-governmental organizations and the community to talk about the importance of early childhood education, nutrition and care.