Locals graduate with ECD certificates
Following their retirement from the Gauteng Department of Education, Jeanette Smith and Dawn Vaax launched a community empowerment initiative through Kenako Jwale.
Following their retirement from the Gauteng Department of Education, Jeanette Smith and Dawn Vaax launched a community empowerment initiative through Kenako Jwale. The initiative aims to educate the youth of Eldorado Park and the neighbouring communities in order to empower the “missing middle” which is learners who have failed to obtain their matric certificates.
ALSO READ: Matriculants from Eldorado Park Secondary benefit from partnerships
The two former educators plan to expand the programme beyond the present National Diploma in Early Childhood Development Level 5.
“We were inspired to bring education to Eldorado Park and the surrounding areas. The educational needs of the youth shaped the major objectives of youth empowerment and access to Further Education and Training,” explained Vaax.
The two former educators acknowledged Principal of Eldomaine Secondary School, Ashley Pienaar and the School Governing Body (SGB) who took the concept of social cohesion and ubuntu by allowing Saturday sessions to be held on school premises.
The Early Childhood Development (ECD) course was offered and completed with a 100% pass rate in 12 months. Students from Eldorado Park and the surrounding communities took the opportunity and earned t Further Education and Training Certificates which is required of all ECD teachers.
The course consists of the following modules: Mathematical Skills, Communication Skills, Optimal Health, Safety and Care in the Provisioning of ECD Services, Facilitating Integrated Learning and Holistic Development in the ECD Playroom, Working with Families and Communities to support Early Childhood Development, Programme design and the learning environment and Business Skills.
Job experience is also an important component of the qualification. Eldorado Park Secondary School hosted the Reach For The Stars ECD level 4 graduation ceremony on February 26.
“It was a joyous celebration in honour of our dedicated graduates, who are now ready to enter the ECD fraternity with confidence. They are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to establish the foundation of learning for our young learners, assuring a successful start to their education,” added Vaxx.
The keynote speaker at the graduation, Ashley Pienaar the Principal of Eldomaine Secondary School emphasized the importance of ECD. Dr Kesha Mohamed Padayachee gave the students advices and encouraged them to believe in themselves, pursue their aspirations, shoot for the stars and never stop dreaming. Reverend Conville Prins, a parishioner at the local Anglican Church of the Transfiguration was also present to bless the occasion.
Follow Us Here:Â
Catch the latest news by visiting our other platforms:
