ECD training to transform communities
SANE
SHANDU
ETHEKWINI Municipality has launched a
transformative Early Childhood Development (ECD) initiative that is already
changing lives across disadvantaged communities and informal settlements.
The eThekwini Municipal Academy (EMA) has
introduced a comprehensive one-year NQF Level 4 training programme for over 50
ECD practitioners.
These practitioners are being equipped to
nurture holistic child development including the cognitive, emotional, social,
and physical aspects, ensuring that children are not only school-ready but
life-ready.
They are also trained to identify
developmental delays early, enabling timely interventions that can alter a
child’s entire trajectory.
The initiative is being held in
partnership with the Human Settlements and Safer Cities Directorates. While EMA
is capacitating them with skills, Human Settlements is investing in
infrastructure by upgrading ECD centres.
This integrated programme intends to
improve learning environments and create safe, stimulating spaces where
children can thrive.
EMA Project Manager Lihle Sishi described
this initiative as a commitment to breaking cyles of socio-economic challenges,
unemployment and inequality. ‘’By empowering ECD practitioners with the right
tools and knowledge, we are ensuring that every child, regardless of where they
come from, has a fair chance at a better life, starting from a young age,’’ she
said.
The initiative is already making a visible
impact in communities.
Children who once roamed the streets are
now engaged in structured learning. Parents are seeing the benefits of early
education, and communities are beginning to rally around the centres as hubs of
growth and safety.
