Puppets changing the future
IVORY PARK - Find out how two little puppets change the future of many children.
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SmartStart early learning social franchise visited the community of Ivory Park where they rendered an education show to promote early learning at the local taxi rank in Ext 2.
The show that is named Get-Set-Go is aimed at encouraging parents to take their children to early learning centres. Not only does the community get educated on the importance of early learning, SmartStart also offers community members an opportunity to open learning centres and provide training for them through the SmartStart franchise.
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Using two little puppets named Dudu and Sipho, the show is based on the story of Dudu, a curious and playful four-year-old, her mother Mina and her grandmother. Throughout the show, parents learn what they can do to develop a love of learning in their children. They also learn how easy and affordable it can be, and that there are programmes outside of the home where they can enrol their child.
“Parents often don’t realise that they are their child’s very first teacher. Helping your child develop well is an important task, but it can also be a fun and exciting one. Our show teaches parents how they can help their children develop a love for learning, as well as the skills for asking questions, solving problems and interacting well with others,” says Grace Matlhape, CEO of SmartStart.
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Matlhape also encouraged schoolchildren who are interested in finding out more about affordable learning programmes, to contact them. A resident and a parent Mashudu Mofara, who took her four-year-old son Khensani to the show, said she learnt a lot from the programme. “I don’t take my child to a crèche because they are not safe. I have registered on the SmartStart programme to learn more about opening my own learning centre that would be conducive for the children,” she said.
The show which is free of charge and will tour more areas around Johannesburg.
Details: For more on SmartStart or the shows, contact Funie Rabambi on funanani@smartstart.org.za
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