Hamba Bamba Funda empowers Early Childhood Education in Soweto

Hamba Bamba Funda (HBF), a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for early childhood education recently commemorated Nelson Mandela Day.

They did this by emphasising the importance of active parent-child participation.

Led by Monja Boonzaier, the founding Director of HBF, the event was held under the theme of “active parent-child participation” at the Meadowlands Welfare Centre.

Boonzaier said Nelson Mandela’s unwavering belief in the transformative power of education is part of the organisation’s guiding principle.

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“It is disheartening to recognise that in South Africa, early childhood education programmes often begin at the age of three, neglecting the critical first two years of a child’s life. However, these initial 1.5 years represent a crucial period for brain development, shaping a child’s future and that is what the organisation aims to highlight and address,” she said.

The commemoration marked a milestone for Hamba Bamba Funda which hosted its first live broadcast exactly a year ago on Nelson Mandela in Kliptown, involving ten mothers and babies and now has expanded their reach by hosting another live broadcast for 50 mothers and their babies.

Boonzaier expressed delight saying, “The progress we have witnessed in our work and the positive response within the communities in such a short time has exceeded all expectations.”

The event hosted esteemed experts from international and local organisations who virtually shared their knowledge and expertise including Dr.

Chava Shelhav, the founder of the Child’Space Method, as well as Orly Gat and Barbara Leverone, both Child Space trainers.

They were joined by local representatives from the Greater Sowetan Association of ECD and the Heartlines/Father’s Matter programme.

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“Educators generously shared their knowledge with community members, while mothers and caregivers actively engaged with their babies, nurturing their growth and unlocking their potential.

“This demonstration of unity embodied the spirit of Ubuntu, which Mandela exemplified,” Boonzaier concluded.

The HBF founder concluded that through Mandela’s legacy, communities have to work towards a future where every child, regardless of their circumstances, has access to quality early childhood education.