Help for Amanzimtoti ECDs during pandemic

Community development practitioner, Iris Canham, is continuing on her quest to provide local childhood the best start in life.

According to Ilifa Labantwana, a national organisation based in Cape Town working towards universal access to quality early childhood development (ECD), 20 000 to 30 000 centres across South Africa run the risk of closure in the absence of relief for the sector.

Iris, who is also the co-founder of local non-profit organisation, Indwe Learning Centres, is concerned with capacity building for under-developed ECDs that participated in a national survey conducted between 10 and 13 April. As the economy opened up for level three, more people returned to work with the concern, “Who will take care of our young children if ECDs remain closed?”.

“I believe this pandemic has really highlighted the vulnerabilities of the sector and importance of child care across class and income brackets. All young children are now vulnerable,” she said.

READ ALSO: Khanya Hospice gives thanks for support during lockdown

UNICEF has identified an agenda for action to mitigate the effects of Covid-19 on children that includes:

* To keep children safe.

* Keep children Learning.

* Reach vulnerable children with water, hygiene and sanitation.

* Support families to cover their needs and care for children.

* Protect children from violation, exploitation and abuse.

* Protect refugee and migrant children affected by conflict.

Locally, there are organisations tackling different aspects of these goals. Iris and Indwe Learning Centres, in collaboration with Kingsburgh Child and Family Welfare (KCFW) and sponsors or donors, are currently working on programmes to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on community ECDs.

One project includes addressing the risk of malnutrition in children under the age of six. Rotary E Club South Africa One donated 5kg bags of nutritious porridge to 12 ECDs that Iris and KCFW work with, while Canadian Rotary E Club member, Luke Vorstermans, donated a bag of porridge and hippo roller, a device used to carry water easily and effectively to improve access to clean drinking water.

“The community, which includes individuals, collaborating non-profits and businesses, have been very generous in helping us provide aid to young children and their families, and we thank everyone for making this possible,” said Iris.

READ ALSO: Domino Foundation continues providing relief

DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?

Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.

To receive our free newsletter click here

(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)