It cannot be denied that 3 Square Sports Centre came alive with laughter, bouncing castles, and pure childhood delight on June 12 as Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres across Alexandra brought their children together for a day of fun and learning.

More than 26 ECDs brought their little ones together, filling the field with energy, colour, and beaming smiles. While the children enjoyed games, jumping castles, and endless play, the day also carried a deeper purpose to show that children learn best when they are having fun.

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President of the Alexandra ECD Association, Mary Rametsi, explained the vision behind the celebration. “We wanted to give the children a refreshing break from their daily routines and bring everyone together in one joyful space. We also invited several stakeholders to educate the children, and that is the most important part of the day.”

Firefighters were among the special guests, sharing valuable fire safety lessons with children. Sinothando Day Care principal Thandi Luruli highlighted the importance of fire safety education, emphasising that in Alexandra, where homes are built very close together, one small spark can become a big danger. “They taught them how to put out a fire, and we want them to avoid playing with fire because it could cause a fire hazard. We want our children to learn safe habits early and understand how to prevent fires,” Luruli said.

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The event also focused on child protection and rights. In a world where children can sometimes face harm from those meant to care for them, educators made sure the little ones heard a clear message that they deserve to be safe, loved, and respected. “Children should know their rights and understand that parents and caregivers are there to protect them. By teaching them this from a young age, we help them grow into confident young people who know how they should be treated,” Rametsi emphasised.

Beyond the lessons, the gathering created beautiful opportunities for friendship and growth. Nonhlanhla Mjoli from Happy Kideo Day Care Centre smiled as she watched the children interact. “Here, unlike at their own centres, they meet peers from different backgrounds. They make new friends, pick up new words and languages, and create wonderful memories. It really makes their childhood experiences good,” she said.

Community member Zandile Shoko reflected on the day with cheer, saying that children had time to play different games. “The children played sack races, tug-of-war, and some were dancing. It was nice to watch,” she said, adding that this shows just how much children gain from attending ECDs. “These centres help children learn to express themselves, build confidence, and develop in every way.”

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