Peshawar: Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Shahab Ali Shah, officially inaugurated Phase-II of the Daycare and Learning Centre at the Civil Secretariat Peshawar on Thursday. The expansion significantly enhances the facility to cater to the increasing number of children of government employees.
Inauguration Ceremony
The Chief Secretary was accompanied by Additional Chief Secretary (General) Abid Majeed, Secretary Administration Shahid Sohail Khan, and other senior officials during the event. He toured various sections of the upgraded facility and reviewed the newly added services and infrastructure.
Briefing on Expansion
Deputy Secretary Dr. Iza Arshad briefed the Chief Secretary on the expansion project, emphasizing the need for enhanced childcare services within the Civil Secretariat. She noted that the existing daycare facility, established in 2018, could only accommodate 12 children despite a demand from over 164 children of employees.
A comprehensive needs assessment revealed that the Civil Secretariat has 224 female employees with an estimated 164 children aged between 0 and 5 years, underscoring the necessity for a larger and professionally managed childcare facility.
Enhanced Capacity and Features
The newly expanded centre now accommodates more than 30 children across various age groups. It features improved infrastructure designed to provide a safe, nurturing, and educational environment. The facility includes Montessori-based learning activities aimed at promoting cognitive and social development.
Safety Measures
Child safety measures such as EVA foam flooring, safety-proof furniture, and hazard-free rooms have been introduced. To ensure quality care, the centre is equipped with enhanced staffing, including a qualified Montessori teacher, a nurse, and trained childcare assistants.
Additional measures include daily health screenings, regular sanitization of surfaces, and dedicated feeding and rest areas to promote children's health and well-being.
Chief Secretary's Remarks
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Secretary appreciated the initiative and stated that providing quality childcare facilities is essential for enabling working parents, particularly women, to perform their professional responsibilities effectively.
