Advocacy in ECD: Lessons from Real Reform

In the ever-evolving landscape of early childhood development (ECD) advocacy, Real Reform for ECD stands out as a beacon of innovation and commitment. Their work, driven by a passion for transformative change, exemplifies how grassroots advocacy can reshape policy and enhance community impact. Through their partnership with the DO MORE FOUNDATION, Real Reform demonstrates how concerted efforts and community mobilization can drive significant progress.

The Power of Collective Advocacy

Real Reform for ECD emerged in 2020 in response to the South African Children’s Amendment Bill. This bill, a critical piece of legislation concerning children's rights, failed to adequately address the evolving needs of the ECD sector. Recognizing the necessity for a more inclusive and well-supported framework, Real Reform galvanized the sector into action. By uniting over 1,600 submissions to Parliament, they successfully halted the bill's passage, prompting the Department of Basic Education to convene a technical task team to reassess and improve the legislation.

This achievement underscores the power of collective advocacy. Instead of isolated efforts, Real Reform orchestrated a unified voice, showcasing the effectiveness of a coordinated approach. Their success highlights a fundamental lesson: impactful advocacy often requires a strategic, collective effort rather than fragmented individual actions.

Navigating Community Dynamics

One of the key challenges in community advocacy is managing diverse local needs and perspectives. Real Reform’s approach to overcoming this challenge is both pragmatic and inclusive. They employ a campaign called "Make Local Government Work for ECD," which aims to integrate ECD priorities into local government planning documents such as Integrated Development Plans (IDPs).

By collaborating directly with ECD practitioners and forums within communities, Real Reform navigates local complexities and leverages community-specific insights. This method respects and incorporates the unique challenges and contexts of different areas, ensuring that advocacy efforts are both relevant and effective. Their success in transforming IDPs across various regions—such as Worcester and Umkhomazi—demonstrates the efficacy of this inclusive strategy.

Empowering Local Advocates

A pivotal element of Real Reform’s strategy is the empowerment of local ECD practitioners. Many practitioners lack formal qualifications, which can be a barrier to effective advocacy. Real Reform addresses this by providing training and support, enabling practitioners to engage confidently in advocacy efforts. This approach not only builds local capacity but also fosters ownership of the advocacy process within the community.

In partnership with the DO MORE FOUNDATION, Real Reform has extended this support to various communities, including uPhongolo, Worcester and Nkomazi. By equipping local advocates with the necessary tools and knowledge, Real Reform ensures that advocacy efforts are sustainable and deeply rooted in the community.

Lessons in Patience and Collaboration

Advocacy is often a long-term endeavor, and patience is a crucial trait for those involved. As Tsepho Mantje of Real Reform aptly puts it, “Advocacy is a journey, and you might not sit under the shade of the tree which you planted.” This perspective emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the understanding that meaningful change takes time.

Collaboration is another essential lesson. Real Reform’s approach to working with a diverse range of stakeholders—including NGOs, local governments, and community groups—illustrates the power of collective action. By fostering collaboration, Real Reform creates a robust support network that amplifies their impact and facilitates more comprehensive solutions to ECD challenges.

Looking Forward

The work of Real Reform for ECD and its partnership with the DO MORE FOUNDATION serves as a powerful example of effective community advocacy. Their approach—rooted in collective action, local empowerment, and strategic collaboration—offers valuable insights for anyone engaged in advocacy work. By embracing these principles, we can drive meaningful change and create a more supportive environment for early childhood development.

As we reflect on these lessons, it becomes clear that advocacy is not just about influencing policy but also about building resilient communities capable of sustaining and advancing their own development goals. The journey may be long, but with dedication, patience, and collaboration, the fruits of advocacy can indeed be transformative.