Solidarity Helping Hand, an NGO focused on community development and poverty alleviation, launched a new book on International World Book Day, recently.

Titled Early Childhood Development: Our Place – A Solid Foundation, the Afrikaans manual focuses on themes that highlight the critical role early learning and development play in shaping a child’s future from preschool level.

The launch event featured performances and poetry readings by learners, as well as an interactive segment where children engaged with books.

Executive director of Solidarity Helping Hand, Hannes Noëth, said community strength begins with children and education, even when parents cannot always afford it.

He explained that the organisation aims to bridge this gap by providing equal opportunities through its nine centres.

“We do this by providing proper nutrition, discipline, structure, a safe, caring environment and quality education with a needs-based curriculum that gives children an equal chance and ensures no one starts Grade One with a backlog of preschool knowledge,” he said.

The manual was developed over four years in collaboration with various stakeholders, including academics from North-West University, as well as parents and teachers from different centres.

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It includes chapters designed to guide teachers on lesson planning, discipline, school assessments and developmental milestones for children aged 0–5.

North-West University representative Dr Suzan Greyling highlighted the importance of introducing positive habits at an early age, describing her involvement in the project as both insightful and rewarding.

“The sooner parents introduce reading, the better. Parents should start with picture-based stories, talk to children about the images, and gradually introduce reading,” said Greyling.

Suzette Oosthuizen, head of Our Place and Centres, said the need for the book was identified to help teachers address learning gaps caused by limited access to early education, which often results in children starting school with a backlog.

“The most important years of education are during the crèche phase. If a child falls behind during these years, they may struggle to catch up.”

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