Before you imagine she’s turned into one of her fairies or something – she really did fly and she was only there for a few hours. (Hahahaha – I’m a witty girl today hey!)
Seriously though, the reason she went is ultra-cool.
She’s going to be involved in writing a series of short stories for little children.
These will be based on various topics – lovely things like courage, joy, creativity, responsibility, kindness, caring and accountability.
These are values that everybody should be teaching their children from a very young age.
Also, if children from the age of nought to six are not taught various concepts (colours, shapes, fine motor skills, etc) it impacts hugely on their future learning.
The Unlimited Child is a national non-profit initiative that started in 2008.
These guys are simply awesome.
They have an early childhood education model and they provide training for people who work in/own crèches – normally in really disadvantaged areas where finances are challenged.
But let’s rather use the correct terminology… these ‘people’ are actually known as practitioners.
They are not teachers because they don’t have a formal qualification, nor are they caregivers, because they do more than just wipe bums and noses.
They aren’t really crèches either … they are known as ECD Centres (early child development).
Apparently, crèches are places where children just play and don’t actually do much learning.
Not ideal for the child.
Sjoe! All this terminology gets a bit confusing at times.
These guys (actually, they are mainly women) work with various government departments to discover which places really do need their help.
Then they swoop in, a bit like guardian angels, and offer assistance in the form of this model.
Okay wait … ‘model’ conjures up a stiff image.
Banish that picture from your head immediately!
It’s more like cool, colourful stuff for the children to play and interact with, accompanied by lesson plans for the practitioners to use along with the toys.
Like I mentioned earlier – training is given on how to use the equipment.
Thereafter the centres are monitored and follow-up assistance is provided when necessary.
In case you are wondering …
NO! They do not provide actual financial assistance to centres.
In 2008, The Unlimited Child started with five ECD centres in KwaZulu-Natal.
Today they assist over 1 365 centres in eight provinces, including Gauteng.
Their goal is to have 5 000 centres by 2022!
Eventually, Ginny’s stories are going to be read to all these children.
Little children are so precious. They should be treasured and nourished, on many different levels, to give them the best possible start in life.
Sibo
PS – If you want to know more about The Unlimited Child and the thinking behind it – visit their website.
