35 Years of Impact: Early Care Foundation’s Journey in Transforming Early Childhood Development
By Ipeleng Mohlala, CEO of Early Care Foundation
This year, the Early Care Foundation (ECF) proudly celebrates 35 years of dedicated service to early childhood development (ECD) in South Africa. It is a milestone that speaks to resilience, transformation, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring that young children receive the strong foundation they deserve. Having been part of this journey for over a decade, I have had the privilege of witnessing first-hand the profound impact our work has had on children, practitioners, and communities across the country.
Transforming Lives, One Practitioner at a Time
Reflecting on ECF’s journey, I am reminded of the countless women who have come to us in search of knowledge, skills, and a path to economic empowerment. Each face tells a story of determination and hope. Over the years, we have had the privilege of training and certifying thousands of practitioners who have become the backbone of early learning in South Africa. These practitioners are not just educators; they are mentors, role models, and pillars of their communities.
Their impact extends far beyond the classroom. They shape young minds, instill confidence, and lay the groundwork for lifelong learning. They nurture curiosity, foster creativity, and build a strong foundation for the future. Without these dedicated practitioners, the early learning sector would not thrive. They are the unsung heroes who ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to supporting these practitioners and empowering more women to join their ranks. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of children and communities across South Africa.
Empowering Women Through Day Mother Training
Early Childhood Development encompasses a wide range of approaches to reach children from birth to five years old. While center-based programs are essential, non-center-based programs are equally vital in delivering early stimulation and development. Recognizing this, ECF collaborates with day mothers, providing them with the necessary skills to create nurturing, stimulating, and safe environments for young children.
These day mothers play a crucial role in their communities, offering personalized care and early education that might not be accessible otherwise. For many women, this training has been a transformative step towards financial independence. It enables them to support their families while contributing significantly to early childhood education. By empowering these women, ECF not only enhances the quality of early learning but also fosters economic empowerment and community development.
This holistic approach ensures that all children, regardless of their circumstances, have access to the foundational experiences that promote lifelong learning and development. It highlights the importance of diverse strategies in ECD, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Creating Opportunities for Youth
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, many young people have benefited from the YES4Youth programme. This initiative has provided them with exposure to Early Childhood Development (ECD) and various employment opportunities both within and outside the sector. By investing in youth, we are ensuring a sustainable pipeline of dedicated practitioners who will continue to shape the sector in the future.
Supporting ECD Centres Across the Country
A well-equipped and well-run ECD centre is critical to ensuring quality early learning experiences for young children. Over the years, ECF has played a pivotal role in supporting thousands of ECD centres. This support has come in various forms, including the provision of essential resources such as educational materials, toys, and learning aids. Additionally, ECF has offered comprehensive training programs for practitioners and principals, ensuring they are well-prepared to deliver quality early childhood education.
Infrastructure refurbishment is critical in ensuring that the ECD centres are safe, welcoming, and stimulating environments for children. Many of these ECD centres are located in underprivileged communities, where access to formal early learning opportunities is often limited. This investment is a challenge for many ECDs and we continuously seek support from our partners. Furthermore, ECF has provided guidance on compliance and registration, helping centres meet regulatory standards and operate legally and efficiently.
By investing in the development and support of ECD centres, ECF is contributing to the creation of a sustainable and effective early childhood education system that benefits children, families, and communities for years to come.
Expanding Our Reach, Keeping Our Promise
Our commitment to underserved communities has driven our expansion into seven provinces. This growth ensures that no child is left behind due to geographical or socio-economic barriers. By reaching more ECD centres and day mothers, we are able to provide essential services and support to children who need it the most, ensuring they have access to quality early learning opportunities.
Our work is a testament to what is possible when passionate individuals, dedicated organizations, and committed partners come together for a common goal. The collaboration between our team, beneficiaries, funders, local government officials, and other non-profit organizations has been instrumental in our success. Each partner brings unique strengths and resources to the table, allowing us to address the diverse needs of the communities we serve.
The support from our donors has been invaluable. Their generosity and dedication have enabled us to expand our reach and enhance the quality of our programs. By working together, we have created a network of support that ensures every child is developed and the ECD workforce is empowered.
A Future Built on Passion and Commitment
Reflecting on the past 35 years, I am filled with immense gratitude for the support of our trustees, passionate staff, dedicated ECD workforce who do their best everyday, donors, and stakeholders who have made this journey possible. But our work is far from over. The future of ECD in South Africa depends on continued investment, innovation, and collaboration.
As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to transforming early childhood development in South Africa. The next 35 years will be defined by our ability to adapt, grow, and continue advocating for a future where every child, no matter their background, has access to quality early learning opportunities.
Here’s to 35 years of impact, and to many more years of shaping brighter futures.
Ipeleng Mohlala
CEO, Early Care Foundation
www.earlycarefoundation.org
