Early childhood development in the Republic of Guinea: a qualitative analysis of existing opportunities based on the perceptions of institutional and implementing stakeholders

Abstract

The positive benefits of the holistic development of children aged 0 to 8 are still not sufficiently understood or valued by families, communities and governments. Across the world, although many countries have the resources and potential, numerous children continue to suffer from neglect and various forms of violence. In Guinea, as in many other contexts, public policies designed to promote early childhood development are not always backed by budgetary resources commensurate with their stated ambitions. Political will is expressed more through official rhetoric than through concrete actions and commitments that are actually fulfilled. This limits the implementation of interventions and results in significant harm to children. Indeed, the aim of this research was to analyse, based on the perceptions of institutional and implementing stakeholders operating in Guinea, as well as policy and programme documents, the existing opportunities that could be harnessed to promote the harmonious development of children aged 0 to 8 in Guinea. Twenty-one participants from 18 institutions (state bodies, UN agencies, international NGOs and civil society organisations) took part in semi-structured interviews in Conakry between 21 November 2024 and 24 April 2025. These interviews revealed that the country is brimming with significant opportunities and that all that is needed is for early childhood to be made a national priority. The notable opportunities highlighted by these stakeholders include the existence of social services; the mobilisation of civil society and community groups; the large number of committed partners and stakeholders; the presence of the mass media to raise awareness, monitor, alert and educate families and children; the existence of mineral resources that are still undervalued; and the existence of a favourable political and framework. The presence of all these favourable factors provides significant leverage for a coordinated and effective multisectoral response in support of children aged 0 to 8.

Keywords: early childhood development, Guinea, opportunities, stakeholders, favourable.

Received Date: August 17, 2026

Accepted Date: September 09, 2026

Published Date: October 01, 2026

Available Online at: https://www.ijsrisjournal.com/index.php/ojsfiles/article/view/961