Early childhood learning continues in Amanzimtoti
This platform takes educators and leaders in early learning back to basics.
Following on its initial success, Indwe Africa held a second Early Childhood Development (ECD) outreach workshop on Tuesday, 10 December, at St Mary’s Anglican Church in Warner Beach.
The NPO has selected 10 community-based ECD centres and programmes on the outskirts of Toti to form part of a one-year project that empowers educators, equipping them with skills and resources to improve access to education and to equip children for formal schooling. A huge part of each workshop is making educational toys and tools out of waste and household containers to aid learning.
The project began in October and will run until October 2020. Session two on fine motor skills was funded by the Toti community. “We are deeply grateful to the community for recognising the importance of early childhood learning and donating so generously,” said Indwe Africa founder, Iris Canham.
Fine motor skills is the development of small muscles and movements in the hands, fingers and arms, co-ordinated with the eyes. This prepares children for many life skills, including reading and writing. Apart from that, the skills help children’s brains to make connections to support cognitive development.
READ ALSO: First Amanzimtoti ECD workshop a resounding success
Asked why Indwe Africa started the project, Iris said: “ECD is not something we can compromise on as society. Many programmes are also losing sight of the purpose of early childhood learning. We are often in competition with one another in education instead of working together for the greater good. This platform takes educators and leaders in early learning back to basics.
“Waste to educational toys is a partnership with Hilton-based Singakwenza Education and shows educators how easy it is to stimulate children using resources readily available in households and the importance of recycling. Each session takes teachers out of their comfort zone, as we experience learning like children do while also reminding each other of the value of community, our environment and seeing the potential in all things. Each participant makes six to 10 new toys for their classroom or school in each session.”
Jabu Khumalo, who participated in the workshop, said: “This workshop has helped me to see how we often disempower children by doing things for them. This workshop does not just empower me, but helps me empower children.”
The project runs for a year, which includes monitoring and evaluation, and will impact 500 children under the age of six in the Toti community. Indwe Africa thanks the following sponsors and donors: Pick n Pay Winkelspruit, Lawrence McGregor of Seeff Properties, Memories Restaurant in Athlone Park, Mosaic Funeral Home, Karridene Hotel, Funland, KFC Amanzimtoti, Living Creations at Shongweni Market, Rehana Armugam, Carol Mcphail of Honey, SuperSpar Winkelspruit, Catwings KZN, Cathy Colley, the CCPO, Amanzimtoti Sports Centre, Bronwyn Kirkpatrick, Craig Henwood, Simone Kotz, Anne Stewart, Hypersure Insurance Brokers, Jess Odendaal and Warner Beach Prep.
READ ALSO: Exciting chapter begins for Illovo school
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