TREE has its roots in the community

THERE are more than five-million children (below the age of five) in South Africa. However, only around 20 per cent of those children have access to early childhood development. It is a staggering statistic highlighting the gap South Africa faces when it comes to early childhood development (ECD), which is the most critical period of growth and development in a person’s life.

The odds may seem insurmountable, but this is where TREE (Training & Resources in Early Education), a non-profit organisation based in Durban North, comes in. Northglen News recently caught up with the director of the NPO, Bertha Magoge, to find out what the organisation is all about.

“I strongly believe in the power of one. I’m not fazed by the numbers or statistics. I feel that history is changed by individuals and if we, as an NPO, can change the circumstances of one child, it’s definitely worth it,” she said.

While TREE focuses on ECD, it also offers accredited courses to help women from rural areas set up crèches, as well as develop wooden toys made on the premises which stimulate children’s cognitive abilities.

“It is critical to prepare children in a much earlier phase to give childrens’ brains the best chance of developing to their full potential. Our vision is to ensure that young children develop, but also have access to their rights. The first 1 000 days of a child’s life are critical. Studies show that 90 per cent of brain growth and development takes place before the age of five.

“TREE started as feeding scheme, but we felt that just feeding wasn’t sustainable. We felt that children in rural areas needed a more structured approach to learning. And at the same time we needed to empower the women in those areas, who are the breadwinners, with the tools to help bridge that gap,” she said.

Magoge said what personally inspires her is making a difference in children’s lives.

“My inspiration comes from the children. No matter how poor a child is, they’ll always smile. Despite their circumstances, my job is to make that smile bigger and broader. I’m privileged to be in a position where I have a remarkable opportunity to make a difference, and it’s realised by the children we help,” she said.

To find out more about TREE visit www.tree.co.za.