Early childhood development (ECD) practitioners across Ekurhuleni often lack access to accredited professional qualifications, impacting foundational learning for young children.

To address this challenge, the Peermont Children’s Trust (PCT), a CSI initiative supported by Emperors Palace, has partnered with Afrika Tikkun Bambanani to professionally qualify 25 ECD practitioners from Katlehong, Thokoza, and Vosloorus.

The practitioners will work towards an NQF Level 5 SANTS Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education over one year.

The qualification is accredited by the Council on Higher Education, registered with the South African Qualifications Authority, and recognised by the Department of Higher Education and Training.

Boost for township education standards

This initiative forms part of the PCT’s nearly R5m commitment over three years to improve early childhood development standards in Ekurhuleni. The project was recently launched at the Alberton Teacher Centre.

In addition to formal training, the programme aims to boost teaching effectiveness, strengthen literacy and numeracy outcomes, improve ECD centre compliance, and build a sustainable pipeline of qualified professionals.

PCT manager Thomas Masango said Afrika Tikkun Bambanani will provide additional support alongside the trust’s financial backing.

Masango said: “They will get learning workbooks, study guides, curriculum manuals, lesson plans, teaching resources, weekly lectures, tutorials, assignment support sessions, practitioner mentorship, and academic coaching.”

“The practitioners will also be assisted with examination preparation, completion support interventions, and ongoing motivation and well-being support specifically designed to improve completion rates and ensure practitioners successfully graduate,” he said.

As part of its multimillion-rand commitment, the PCT has also collaborated with Afrika Tikkun Bambanani to upgrade five ECD centres in Thembisa and train 20 practitioners from those facilities.