Ward councillors in Mitchells Plain have spent around R500 000 investing in early childhood development (ECD) centres.
With three handovers taking place on Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 February for wards 76, 78 and 82, in total 45 ECDs have received goods to assist in their curriculums.
Valda Phillips, chair of the Mitchells Plain Educare Forum and owner of a local ECD in ward 76 says this donation will benefit more than 500 children in the ward 76 area alone.
“We are the foundation for children, and if the foundation is laid properly, you can build the child, but if the foundation is not laid properly, the child will collapse somehow in his academic career. It is very important even for a child to start off at the ECD first, before they go to school, to grade R,” she says.
Each school could offer a wish list of items they required. With the funding provided, the procurement of items was actioned by the Community Art and Culture Development directorate which is part of the City of Cape Town’s Social and Early Childhood Development department.
Ward 76 councillor, Avron Plaatjies who allocated R100 000 in educational games, puzzles, tables, chairs and art supplies among others donated to 15 registered ECD centres in the ward.
“It is very dear to me to help ECDs as much as we can. It is an honour to take a step in investing in the future of our children. Early childhood development plays a critical role in shaping young minds, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and success. As a community, we have a responsibility to ensure that our youngest residents have access to safe, stimulating, and one-quarter environments where they can learn, play, and grow,” says Plaatjies.
“This investment is not just about tables, chairs and learning materials, it is about giving children, every child in our community, a fair start in life.
“It’s about empowering our educators and caregivers with the tools they need to nurture and develop the potential of every child in their care. We know that strong communities are built on the foundation of education and opportunity.”
Hundreds reached
Plaatjies continues that the 15 ECD centres are registered and active in the various forums. “By strengthening our ECD centres, we are strengthening families, uplifting communities, and securing a better future for generations to come,” he says.
Ward 82 councillor, who allocated R50 000 for tables, chairs and play mats says these were the most needed items for the 17 ECDs in her ward.
“The ECDs are doing such amazing things in the ward,” she says.
She adds that many ECDs are struggling with compliance in the ward, and is happy for the assistance offered.
“We have amazing people in our community, but because of all the red tape, they lose interest in becoming compliant and just continue having an ECD. Our hub is doing amazing work,” she says.
Candice Willemburg ward 82 committee member for education says: “We work together as a hub to unite the different sections of our ward because our ward it’s massive, so in the ward you get sub-sections. We need to start with the foundation. We are working together as ECDs in the hub with our councillor, we are breaking those barriers, that is our aim,” she says.
Ward 78 councillor Goawa Timm who had her handover on Wednesday donated R40 000 toward the needs of 13 ECDs. Donating annually, these are top-up requests made by the ECDs. Her donation included paint and brushes, educational toys, play dough, books and balls.
Other councillors Norman Adonis in ward 92 donated R200 000 and Solomon Philander in ward 116 donated R100 000 to the ECD sector in their wards respectively.
