IMBE programme empowers women-owned ECD centres to grow and thrive
The IMBE programme is strengthening women-owned early childhood development centres by equipping owners with business, financial and operational skills that improve quality education, child wellbeing and community upliftment.
IMBE has driven meaningful change across many black women-owned micro-businesses in South Africa’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) sector.
The programme equips ECD business owners with the knowledge and tools to build financially viable, resilient businesses.
his includes strengthening financial management skills and enhancing understanding of the business environment to support sustainable growth and stability.
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As a result of IMBE’s intervention, women-owned ECD centres are now better equipped to deliver quality care and education, contributing to improved child outcomes and community upliftment.
Soweto Urban News interviewed one of the programme’s beneficiaries to gain insight into the initiative’s impact and how it has supported their ECD business.
Rirhandzu Majozi, the principal of ABC Day Care Centre in Protea Glen Ext 16, shared her experience as a beneficiary of the IMBE programme.
Majozi told Urban News that she began attending the programme in 2021, after being invited by a participant who was already part of it.
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“The programme has equipped me with valuable knowledge in teaching and in supporting our teachers as assistants, strengthened our marketing and networking skills, and has also introduced impactful interventions such as the Nutrition Wallet, which has helped me plan a nutritious menu, making a significant difference in improving the well-being and nutrition of the children,” said Majozi.
She added that through the workshops, she gained valuable knowledge and deeper insight into running her centre more professionally.
Majozi said that the training helped her better understand children’s needs and strengthened her approach to caring for parents as loyal customers in her ECD centre.
“I received support in many aspects of running my business, including learning how to work with parents, families, the community, and the teachers at ABC Day Care Centre.
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“The support, provided through IMBE, has helped me with budgeting, training, and managing my spending and savings wisely,” she said.
She further expressed her gratitude for the programme, noting that the lessons and support she received have played a significant role in improving the management and day-to-day operations of her ECD centre.
