In this episode, Prof. Dr. Nasir Mehmood, Vice Chancellor of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), joins Ms. Khadija Khan, CEO of the Pakistan Alliance for Early Childhood (PAFEC), to discuss AIOU’s pivotal role in professionalizing the Early Childhood Development (ECD) sector in Pakistan through technology and distance learning approaches.The conversation begins with a brief introduction of Prof. Dr. Mehmood and an overview of AIOU’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programmes. As Vice Chancellor of Asia’s largest university dedicated to education, he shares his long-term vision of embedding ECD into the university’s distance learning agenda and championing its importance across the region. This vision includes leveraging AIOU’s extensive outreach and digital platforms to deliver inclusive, accessible, and high-quality ECD programmes.The discussion also highlights critical issues such as aligning ECD initiatives with the National Policy Framework, expanding access for underserved communities—particularly women—and addressing the challenges related to the recognition of ECD qualifications.Watch the full video to gain valuable insights into this critical topic!

In this episode, Dr. Naeem Zafar—a renowned pediatrician, Chairman of the Pakistan Alliance for Early Childhood (PAFEC) and President of Protection and Help of Children Against Abuse and Neglect (PAHCHAAN)—joins Ms. Khadija Khan, CEO of PAFEC, to discuss Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their lasting impact on children's lives. The conversation delves into nature, forms, and underlying causes of these experiences, and how children’s optimum development is compromised. It emphasizes the importance of raising societal awareness about these issues and building the capacity of parents and caregivers to prevent trauma in the lives of children and promote healthier childhood development.In conclusion, both the expert and the host emphasized the critical role of the government, private sector, and other key stakeholders in preventing adverse childhood experiences through the implementation of effective policies and procedures.

Ms. Khadjia Khan, CEO of the Pakistan Alliance for Early Childhood, and Ms. Humaira Lateef, GM Academics & HR Heavy Industries Texla Education City, as they discuss the important topic of teaching behavior as a skill to children. In this episode, they highlight how our focus on grades and percentages often overlooks this crucial aspect of a child's development. They explore Social Behavior Change Communication and the importance of understanding and refining children's behaviors. Khadjia and Humaira emphasize that behaviors, like any other skill, can be learned, practiced, and perfected over time. They discuss the importance of adults modeling behavior for children, as their actions heavily influence young minds. Learn effective strategies to help children become more respectful and compassionate in their interactions. By treating behavior as a skill, we can help individuals improve their interactions and reactions.Join us for this important discussion and share your constructive criticism in the comments below. Your feedback helps us improve!

In this episode of the Early Child Development podcast series, Dr. Nousheen Abbass, a clinical nutritionist, joins Ms. Khadija Khan, CEO of the Pakistan Alliance for Early Childhood (PAFEC), to discuss the critical role of nutrition in maternal mental health. The discussion highlights the physical and emotional needs of mothers during pregnancy, postpartum, the lactation period, and beyond, emphasizing how a balanced diet addresses these needs. The experts further explain what constitutes an optimal diet and its role in fostering both physical and emotional resilience, contributing to good mental health, particularly during these critical phases.

In this episode of the Early Child Development podcast series, Mehak Naeem, Member Punjab at the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC), joins Khadija Khan, CEO of the Pakistan Alliance for Early Childhood (PAEC), to discuss critical issues surrounding child protection, rights, and care in Pakistan.The discussion emphasizes the important role of parents and elders in safeguarding children and educating them on how to protect themselves from harassment. The conversation also highlights the challenges and necessary steps for improving child care, protection, and rights in Pakistan.Connect with IMN

In this episode of the Early Child Development podcast series by IMN, Ms. Shumaila BiBi, a Speech Pathologist, joins Ms. Khadija Khan, CEO of the Pakistan Alliance for Early Childhood (PAFEC). They discuss the causes of speech and language delays and disorders, the differences between speech and language, and how to screen for these delays. They also cover early signs and red flags, how to recognize them promptly, and seek the necessary support. Additionally, they explore the types of disorders and effective strategies for addressing them.Tune in to watch this important podcast!

Ms. Khadija Khan and Ms. Sadia Atif, clinical and child psychologists, discuss Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Learn what ASD is, its symptoms, and the crucial timing of its identification. Find out how parents can effectively support their children with autism and the vital knowledge they must possess. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities of integrating children with ASD into the mainstream education system. Don’t miss this important episode..Connect with IMN

In this episode of the Early Child Development podcast series, Mr. Saleem Malik, a Human Rights Specialist focusing on Gender-based Violence (GBV), joins Ms. Khadija Khan, CEO of the Pakistan Alliance for Early Childhood (PAFEC). Together, they discuss the various forms and causes of GBV and its impact on children’s emotional, psychological, cognitive, and social development. They also explore preventive and protective measures, highlighting key platforms and entry points for effectively addressing GBV.Connect with IMN

In this episode, Syeda Saima Mazhar, National Coordinator for Early Childhood Development at the Aga Khan Education Service, Pakistan (AKESP), joins Ms. Khadija Khan, CEO of the Pakistan Alliance for Early Childhood (PAFEC). They discuss AKESP’s efforts to train teachers for early childhood development and how these initiatives enhance ECD in Pakistan. The conversation explores the impact of teachers' professional development on ECD, highlights specific strategies to foster emergent literacy and numeracy skills in young children, and emphasizes the role of parental engagement in supporting children’s learning and development.Follow for more.

In this important episode of the Early Childhood Development series by IMN and PAFEC, Khadija Khan, is joined by Mr. Dawar Adnan Shams, National Manager, and Mr. Shahid Fazal, Technical Advisor, from the Maternal Nutrition Campaign - NourishMaa at Nutrition International. They discuss the crucial role of maternal nutrition in early childhood development in Pakistan, exploring the current state of maternal and child malnutrition, its severe consequences on the population and economy, and its impact on early cognitive development and immune function. They also identify gaps in the health system and provide practical solutions for a healthier future. Don't miss this vital conversation!Connect with IMN