EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
It takes a big heart to help shape little minds.
Imagine between 30 and 80 little children actively engaged in learning; being taught that “school” is fun and singing loud and upbeat songs. That’s what our programme aims to achieve through equipping the caregivers with the skills and knowledge to nurture 0 – 6-year olds to grow, develop and thrive in their community. This is done through regular visits by an experienced ECD fieldworker and supported by a multidisciplinary team of volunteers at quarterly workshops.
Each crèche is equipped with a book corner and our field worker spends her time working with all the staff to ensure that the books are well used, as well as give practical demonstrations of how to use the book corner and make it dynamic and active.
The kitchen has a healthy rotating menu that provides adequate nutrition for the children. The nutrition programme is supported through the supply of peanut butter, fortified porridge and assistance with fresh vegetables and fruit once a week.
Looking into the Future
While the current approach is working, we are limited in terms of the number of crèches that we can partner with, by the number of field workers that we can employ. We are therefore looking at a new approach to the way that we impact the crèches – funding accredited training for the owners or care-givers so that they are equipped with knowledge that can be implemented at their crèches. This will bring knowledge and skills – all for the benefit of the children who spend their days there.
You can be part of the change
- “Adopt a day-care” – our newest initiative to partner corporates with day-cares in Alex
- Sponsorship of an ECD learnership (funded through Skills Development)
- Donations of educational toys and books
- Donations towards fortified porridge and peanut butter / tinned fish.