By Nontobeko Nkwamba, Programmes Co-Ordinator & Administrator, in House Protective Behavior Master Trainer – Early Care Foundation

As South Africa observes Child Protection Week, we are reminded that safeguarding children is not just a legal obligation — it’s a moral imperative. At the Early Care Foundation (ECF), we believe that every child deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported, especially in the environments where they spend most of their day.

That is why our Child Protection Workshop is such a critical component of our practitioner training programmes. Focused on Protective Behaviours, this workshop equips ECD practitioners and site heads with the knowledge and tools to recognise, prevent, and respond to potential threats to a child’s safety and wellbeing.

Creating Safer Learning Environments

Through the workshop, practitioners learn how to:

• Identify signs of abuse or neglect
  
  
• Understand a child’s rights and the role of mandated reporting
  
  
• Build emotionally safe learning environments
  
  
• Promote open communication with children using age-appropriate language
  
  
• Collaborate with caregivers and community stakeholders to ensure a circle of protection
  
  

Empowering the First Line of Defence

In many cases, ECD practitioners are the first adults outside the home to notice when something is wrong. They become the first line of defence. With the right training, they are empowered to not only detect signs of harm but to take the appropriate action swiftly and sensitively.

This is more than just policy compliance — it’s about giving our practitioners the confidence to act with compassion, clarity, and courage.

A Shared Responsibility

Child protection is not the responsibility of one department or organisation. It’s a shared commitment — between educators, parents, caregivers, and communities. Our workshop brings this understanding to life, reinforcing that safeguarding children is a collective effort.

As we reflect on Child Protection Week, let us remember that prevention begins with education. And protection begins with awareness.

At ECF, we remain deeply committed to building a network of ECD centres where every child not only learns — but is safe, nurtured, and protected.