EARLY Childhood Development centres should be prioritised in order to produce the best results in education. This helps to identify the challenges that children are faced with and prepares them emotionally and psychologically.
These were the words of the minister for social development, Bathabile Dlamini, during the recent opening of a newly refurbished Phomolong Early Childhood Development Centre in Mookgophong.
The centre will cater for children up to five years old, and boasts a play area for the children, a sick bay, dinning hall, kitchen and classrooms.
The centre has so far registered 152 children and created jobs for 10 young women from the community.
Dlamini said the department would visit the centre twice a year to ensure it was well sustained.
“This centre will eradicate poverty and give children the basic education they need from an early age.
“This is also a way of fighting malnutrition in communities. Together with the local municipality, we will make sure the children are served with vegetables and fruits.
“The community should use the centre for the sake of their children and grandchildren,” Dlamini said.
The Waterberg district was found to be affected by a high rate of substance abuse and malnutrition.
“The United Nations came up with a solution to ensure children are looked after,” said Dlamini.
Herve Ludovic de Lys of the United Nations International Emergency Children’s Fund (Unicef) said it was important to invest in early childhood development.
“We value the partnership we have with South Africa and we are touched by developments like this centre.
“We promise to provide much needed playing and learning materials to the centre,” said De Lys.
Mookgophong mayor, Sara Monyamane, thanked all the roleplayers for helping develop the centre.
“The centre will benefit the children and young women in terms of employment. The municipality will ensure the centre is used appropriately,” said Monyamane.
