‘We need to make education a priority’
NORWOOD – James Urdang believes his work in the field of child and youth development is still far from over.
A Norwood resident has been celebrated in Zurich, Switzerland recently for his work in the field of child and youth development.
Chief executive officer and founder of Education Africa, James Urdang was one of 10 recipients of the 2018 Klaus J Jacobs Awards honouring social innovation and change-making in the field of child and youth development.
“To be chosen as one of 10 recipients from around the world is a great honour and a privilege, certainly one of the highlights of my career. I had the most incredible time in Switzerland, and I enjoyed meeting up with the other award winners and sharing experiences with them. To be recognised at this level is extremely inspiring and motivating,” Urdang said.
“But my work is far from done, and I look forward to continue making real change happen by implementing poverty alleviation through education with my organisation.”
Awardees were selected from all over the world including South Africa, Brazil, Uganda, Slovakia, Nepal, Turkey, Colombia and Jordan. All were singled out for their commitment and tireless efforts in achieving social change. Slavinia Jacobs, president of the Swiss-based Jacobs Foundation said, “They have found affordable, sustainable ways to promote positive development that can be easily implemented. They are beyond talking– they act.”
Urdang said when he founded Education Africa nearly three decades ago there was an incredibly desperate need in this country to bring quality educational opportunities to disadvantaged South Africans, and that need hasn’t changed – this is what keeps him focused and motivated. “We need to make education a priority in this country. We need to ensure that we give our youth the relevant education and skills so that they can compete in the job market, both locally and globally. A good, quality education is essential in ensuring that our citizens have a chance to break out of the cycle of poverty that far too many currently find themselves in.
“And it’s essential in producing leaders for future generations. Through Education Africa, we run a number of projects from Early Childhood Development (ECD) right through to tertiary education level, and we have reached hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries over the years. When you see the difference and impact you can make, well, that’s all the motivation I need and that’s what keeps me focused.”
Urdang received CHF 100 000 (Swiss Franc – equivalent to about R 1.37 million) which will be used for the ongoing sustainability and development of Education Africa’s ECD project. This project, which was established in 2008, provides ongoing training and support to ECD practitioners and current or future potential caregivers with a view to ensuring children’s school readiness as they progress from preschool to primary school.
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https://northeasterntribune.co.za/212566/dreams-turn-into-reality/
