July 31, 2025 – ECDAN welcomes Somos Crianza as ECDAN’s newest regional ECD network partner—a powerful coalition of early childhood networks spanning eight Latin American countries. Somos Crianza brings together organizations from Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Peru, Mexico, and various regional movements to advocate for transformative early childhood policies across Latin America. We asked their team some questions to learn more about their work.
1. What is Somos Crianza? What are the mission and vision for early childhood development in Latin America?
Somos Crianza is a coalition of early childhood networks in Latin America. We have come together to advocate for improved early childhood conditions in member countries. Our goal is to influence regional decision-makers, increase investment in early childhood, and engage with society to contribute to children’s comprehensive development. Our mission is to form a coalition of networks that makes early childhood a priority in Latin America. Together, we will build better policies for the well-being of children in every country.
2. What key regions or communities does Somos Crianza primarily work in?
The networks and organizations that are part of Somos Crianza are from Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Perú, México, and various regional and global movements.
3. Why is early childhood development a priority for Somos Crianza?
All the networks within Somos Crianza are dedicated to early childhood development (ECD) and the well-being of young children. Reflecting this commitment, our networks collectively believe that the early years are the most crucial period in a person’s life and represent the most impactful investment we can make.
4. How does Somos Crianza build regional collaboration?
Somos Crianza promotes collaboration among its member networks. Weekly meetings provide a space for constant dialogue and learning. In addition, members hold at least one face-to-face meeting annually. This approach allows them to address shared challenges among the different networks, enabling regional progress. This joint work benefits not only the member networks but also has the potential to positively impact early childhood policies throughout Latin America.
5. As a new partner, how do you see Somos Crianza’s role within ECDAN, and how will this partnership enhance your efforts in Latin America?
Somos Crianza believes that joining ECDAN will enhance our efforts in Latin America. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to make early childhood a priority in the region, given ECDAN’s central role in global development work and the valuable opportunities for mutual learning it offers. Specifically, the networks within Somos Crianza are committed to improving their capacity to influence public policy, especially during political transitions or under governments less committed to early childhood. Being part of ECDAN will enable us to learn from other countries’ experiences in this area. This collaboration will strengthen our collective voice advocating for early childhood development and the consolidation of policies aimed at the well-being of children in each country. Relatedly, this space is valuable due to the empowerment that arises from having strong links with networks and peers in other countries, where regional and international synergy contributes to overcoming local differences. In addition, there are shared issues among different countries and contexts that make the incorporation of Somos Crianza into ECDAN truly significant.
6. What role do caregivers and communities play in your work?
Somos Crianza does not work directly with them, though its member organizations do. However, Somos Crianza disseminates and promotes early childhood development, targeting parents, caregivers, the general public, and other actors.
7. How does Somos Crianza work to ensure that the voices and experiences of children, families, and local communities are central to your advocacy and program development?
Somos Crianza’s approach is deeply rooted in the work of its networks. Because these networks collaborate directly with children, families, and local communities, Somos Crianza is able to incorporate their voices, experiences, and extensive work into all of its actions.
8. What’s next for Somos Crianza in advancing ECD? Are there new areas of focus you envision?
We’re currently launching two new initiatives. The first initiative involves identifying, documenting, and sharing successful approaches in early education, health and nutrition, nurturing care, and comprehensive early childhood development. The goal is to provide input for public policy formulation in the coalition’s member countries. The second initiative is a journalism program, which is a course for journalists committed to early childhood. We aim to create a network of Latin American journalists who connect the power of information with the rights of boys and girls. This course is designed for journalists, editors, writers, and reporters in print, radio, television, and digital media who are interested in promoting ethical, evidence-based journalism with a rights-based approach. Through master classes, participatory sessions, and specialized resources, participants will address the main challenges and necessary actions to guarantee the rights of children from their earliest years.
9. What is one key message you would like global ECD stakeholders (including other ECDAN members) to take away regarding the importance of investing in early childhood in Latin America?
It’s our motto: Some things cannot be recovered, like the early years.
10. For individuals or organizations passionate about ECD, both within Latin America and globally, how can they best support or get involved with Somos Crianza’s vital mission?
For individuals and organizations passionate about early childhood development, you can best support our vital mission by engaging with our ongoing work. We encourage you to visit our webpage, join the coalition if your country in the region is not yet a member, to strengthen our collective voice and contact us directly to discuss new partnership opportunities and find innovative ways to make early childhood a priority in Latin America.