Unlimited investment in early childhood development

The Unlimited Child in partnership with DG Murray Trust (DGMT) recently hosted a 4-day training workshop in Port Shepstone. Sixty crèche teachers, supervisors and monitors in training from the Kwa-Zulu Natal South Coast region attended the workshop.

According to the partnership agreement, DGMT will provide The Unlimited Child with R1,3 million over the next two years to be used for similar training initiatives and provision of classroom equipment as part of their investment in early childhood development. The partnership was facilitated by the Network Action Group and will see the two organisations working together towards their common goal of improving the lives of children through education. The Unlimited Child aims to engage with over 20 000 crèches by 2020 by supplying educational toys and caregiver training.

Dr David Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of DG Murray Trust, believes that the next five years are going to be exciting and challenging times for people involved in early childhood development. “This will be a time of great opportunity for children under the age of five years, who have never experienced quality ECD programmes. The establishment of specific centres and programmes currently depend on enterprising and committed individuals or organisations. We must build on that passion and expertise, but need to start planning to develop every young child in every district in the country,” says Harrison.

The 4-day training programme, conducted by expert trainer Freda Wilkins, covered basic training techniques, correct use of The Unlimited Child equipment and guidance of the trainees in understanding mathematics, language and life skills. The programme utilises specially developed kits, which includes specific classroom toys and a day-to-day guide for teachers that covers a full calendar year.

According to Ian Corbishley of The Unlimited Child, the crèches will benefit massively from the training and material. “The Unlimited Child has helped to transform many crèches into well-organised education facilities with quality equipment that can stimulate the children. The children are developing and learning new skills every day as even the free-play is structured.” mentions Corbishley.

This is the first time that The Unlimited Child has extended its reach into the South Coast region and Corbishley admits that transport and distance would be a challenge. “The Ugu district is largely rural and therefore has a higher prevalence of rural crèches. It is much harder to reach these crèches as there is a significant geographic spread. However, the training was a huge success and provided a much needed start. In addition to the new equipment and guides, the teachers will also take back valuable experience and renewed passion to their crèches,” explains Corbishley.

The Unlimited Child will return to the area early next year for two further workshops and more are planned for the rest of 2014 to further extend their footprint in the region. More equipment will also be provided by The Unlimited Child during this period and the organisation hope to provide training and equipment to a total of 100 crèches in the area in 2014.