As part of its ongoing community engagement initiatives, the bhive Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) at the North-West University (NWU), in collaboration with the LUSA NPO, recently supported the Gr8Start Early Childhood Development (ECD) educator capacity-building programme in Evaton.

The programme was designed to strengthen the skills, confidence, and teaching practices of educators working in community-based learning environments. A total of 24 local teachers participated, gaining practical tools and knowledge to directly enhance the learning experiences of the young children in their care.

Training focused on essential competencies, including classroom management, child development, parent communication, positive discipline, health and safety, and the creation of stimulating, play-based learning spaces.

Over five full days, teachers participated in interactive, centre-based activities that combined information sessions with hands-on practice, reflection, and immediate feedback. The programme encouraged the use of movement, music, stories, games, and sensory exploration to engage children while also strengthening teachers’ abilities to observe, document, and evaluate children’s progress.

Post-training assessments revealed that 85%-90% of teachers reported feeling confident or very confident in managing challenging behaviour, communicating with parents, identifying developmental issues, and creating safe and stimulating classrooms.

Many participants described the programme as life-changing, citing significant personal and professional growth, renewed motivation, and a stronger professional identity. Teachers have since implemented practical classroom strategies, including play-based learning, creative teaching using recycled materials, child-centred approaches, and techniques to support children’s emotional regulation.

Adding further value, Martin Manmohan, the entrepreneurship ecosystem project manager at the NWU, facilitated a 90-minute session on asset-based community development (ABCD), which empowered educators in their local community on asset mapping.

The session equipped teachers with the skills to identify and leverage local resources such as organisations, facilities, and informal support networks. “By recognising the strengths and assets already present in their communities, teachers can build sustainable partnerships and enhance learning opportunities for children,” Manmohan explained.

Dr Johann Landsberg, manager of the bhive EDC at the Vanderbijlpark Campus of the NWU, emphasised that the initiative reflects the commitment of the NWU bhive EDC to community engagement, capacity building, and improving the holistic development of children in local communities, while empowering teachers to implement sustainable, context-responsive practices.