The Smart Start Early Childhood Development programme hosted a briefing event at the Khutsong South Multi-Purpose Centre on Friday, 26 June. Different groups of Smart Starters who operate their own Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, as well as those interested in opening new centres, attended the event to gain valuable information.

The initiative was facilitated by an organisation known as Siyakholwa, which aims to ensure that every child receives a strong educational foundation from an early age to prepare them for school. The organisation also supports children from less fortunate backgrounds.

The purpose of the event was to unite ECD centres and remind attendees of the opportunities offered through the Smart Start programme. They were also informed about the importance of complying with programme requirements in order to qualify for opportunities such as the programme’s quality assurance initiative and other partnership programmes.

During the event, attendees received advice on developing strategies to raise funds for their centres, including ways to secure donations to help keep their facilities operating. Many centres face ongoing challenges due to a lack of resources, as they serve children from disadvantaged families who are often unable to afford school fees.

The organiser of the event from Happy Centre said it was important to encourage ECD centres registered as NPOs and NPCs to unite so that they could organise their own events. He explained that he had to fund the event himself, but through working together they could approach local businesses and entities, such as nearby mines, for support.

Centres from different areas of Khutsong attended the event with the children in their care. The day also featured entertainment and food for those who attended.