Early Childhood Development in South Africa

Your generous contribution to our Early Childhood Development Programme in 2016 gave children a basic right - the right to learn. Even though they are young, we make sure that our core philosophies are carried over to our ECD classes, as we feel they are important for children to learn at a young age. Namely, that they have a responsibility to be respectful and kind to themselves and others and, also, that they have rights - the right to a quality education, the right to make mistakes and the right to be loved. Throughout the year, our wonderful ECD Facilitators ensure that children understand and act on their responsibilities and rights. 

Last year, this project grew from ten to twenty children, and not only that - they also got taller! Our Head ECD Facilitator, Nokuthula, noted that, "There is a huge difference in physical development that I am noticing in the ECD kids. It was difficult for some of them to even lift up their legs but through the games and exercises that we do kids are becoming fit in a way that they can jump." 

The class of 2016 bonded together and became close friends by learning, growing and playing with each other. Nokuthula also observed that, "There is a difference in their development. They now know how to count, they can tell what colour are the clothes they are wearing, they now know their surroundings, they know more words of objects." They really do have a thirst for learning! To see what one of our ECD children, Fanele, learnt last year, visit this link.

Without you, these children would not have had access to a quality education, to nourishing meals, and to new friends. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

With gratitude,

Thanda

P.S. This year, we have included 40 more children in our ECD programme, so be ready to see even more pictures, videos and stories on these reports and our social media!

Links:

• Meet Fanele

We may be nearing the end of the year, but our ECD children have not slowed down! When not outside playing or having an afternoon nap, they spend time in engaging creative sessions. Since our last update, they have learnt about the change of seasons as we are turned from Winter to Spring, temperature changes, the warmth of wool that we get from sheep and about fire and firefighters (we can't leave out those heroes!) Their curriculum has also covered various modes of transport - from road to rail - as well as how seeds travel and general directions.

They have been eyeing our Facilitators doing yoga and jumped at the opportunity to try it out for themselves! We also received a new jungle gym from a generous donor, which the children are loving. 

After spending almost a year together, we thought it would be a great time to celebrate our ECD Class of 2016 and had a "Thanda Photo Day" with all of our ECD children. In the photo, you can see their new uniforms which their parents are very appreciative of, as it keeps their personal clothes in good condition. 

We started this year with twenty children and will start next year with sixty! It does mean big changes for our ECD programme, but thanks to support like yours, it also means more smiles, more laughter and more curiousity. Thank you again for all your support so far this year, we and the ECD children really do appreciate it!

Links:

• Thanda website