LOCAL non-profit organisation, The Domino Foundation has partnered with Sibaya Community Trust to work alongside twelve crèches in the Waterloo area near Verulam, on their Early Childhood Development (ECD) Programme .
The programme aims to improve the quality of teaching and preparation for school readiness of vulnerable children at ECD centres. Children benefit through having their nutritional and cognitive and physical developmental needs met at this critical age, while centre owners and educators are empowered with essential education and enterprise skills.
The ECD Programme partners with a number of early childhood development specialists such as Natal Early Learning Resource Unit (NELRU), The Unlimited Child, Ghandi Development Trust and JAM SA, with trained Domino Foundation fieldworkers coming alongside to mentor the educators. Leader of the ECD Programme, Shaun Tait pointed out that, where possible, the programme also helps with infrastructure development and physical upgrades of ECD centres. “We are excited by the launch of our programme in Waterloo, particularly after we have seen its great success in twenty three centres in the informal settlement of Amaoti over the past three years,” Tait said.