18 ECD practitioners in Saldanha Bay Municipal area graduate. Improving access to quality early childhood education is crucial for laying the foundation for lifelong learning, particularly in underprivileged areas. To address this need, 18 Early Childhood Development (ECD) Practitioners from the Saldanha Bay Municipality have successfully completed the accredited ECD Qualification (NQF Level 4) programme, impacting nearly 900 children. Funded by Umoya Energy, this initiative is part of an ongoing commitment to improving early childhood education, ensuring that young children are better equipped for formal schooling and future success. The programme, which spanned 18 months, was implemented in partnership with Grassroots Educare Trust, and focused on equipping practitioners with essential skills and knowledge.

“This programme is vital to the development of young children in the Saldanha Bay Municipal area, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The programme not only ensures that children receive care from qualified professional which forms part of WCED’s requirements for ECD practitioners but allows access to development opportunities and improved educational outcomes and inclusive economic growth,” explained Amber Zeeman, Community Liaison Officer for Umoya Energy. The training equipped practitioners with vital skills in areas such as communication (in both English and Afrikaans), mathematical literacy, early childhood development planning, child development monitoring, and providing care for young children. Grassroots Educare Trust further ensured that these skills were applied effectively by conducting regular site visits to monitor classroom implementation.

“The programme was an incredible journey from start to finish. I never imagined earning my ECD Level 4 qualification, let alone opening my own ECD centre along the way. This has been the most fulfilling and rewarding learnership I’ve ever experienced. As a proud ECD centre owner, displaying my Level 4 qualification reminds me of the sacrifices I made to achieve it. It wasn’t easy, but it was absolutely worth it. Thank you to all the supporters,” expressed Winnifred de Koker, one of the graduates. The graduation ceremony, held in Langebaan, was a momentous occasion for the practitioners, who are now qualified to work with preschool children and monitor their developmental stages with confidence. The programme not only improved the practitioners’ self-esteem but also improved the quality of ECD services across the 18 sites they work in.