Department to address challenges faced by early childhood development centres (ECD)

The National Department of Social Development has declared 2018 as the year for Early childhood Development Centres. In line with this, the provincial department of Social Development has organised an awareness campaign to celebrate the year.

“The rationale in the identification of this municipality is a response to the issues raised during the Taking the Legislature to The People’ (TLP) programme which took place early this year. A number of challenges were raised regarding ECD service delivery that needs the attention of the department. This campaign will therefore be used as a tool to address some of the challenges,” said Ms Pertunia Lessing, spokesperson for the department.

She adds that the campaign will be characterised by a march comprising of stakeholders involved in ECD and children from ECD centres.

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“After the march, stakeholders will visit unregistered centres as a way of assisting them to prepare for registration. The second day will mark the launching of the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality ECD Inter-sectoral forum at the town hall. The day will also be used as a platform to address some of the issues raised during the TLP and also the gaps identified during the site visits which took place in September,” she added.

Research shows that the first 1000 days of a child which is the period from conception until a child’s 2nd birthday are crucial in the child’s development. They offer a unique window of opportunity to shape healthier and more prosperous future life. This assertion therefore requires that the department and all key stakeholders explore other avenues to create awareness and engage parents, caregivers and the communities on the importance of early childhood development.