Muir Foundation Investment in NQF & QCTO training in Pongola

The Early Childhood Development (ECD) sector plays an important role in supporting the growth and development of young children in South Africa. However, many ECD practitioners face challenges in accessing accredited training, as they are often unable to afford the fees required to further their studies. To help close this gap, the Muir Foundation, through the DO MORE FOUNDATION, assisted a group of practitioners in completing a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4 training program.

The training contributes to ongoing efforts to support and strengthen ECD practitioners to gain a recognised and accredited qualification. Through this opportunity, practitioners were able to complete the Further Education and Training Certificate in ECD (NQF Level 4), accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). The qualification is designed to develop understanding and practical skills, helping practitioners improve their learning environments and feel more confident in their work with young children.

What does the ECD career path look like

Completing an NQF Level 4 certificate marks an important milestone in an ECD practitioner’s career. It not only provides formal recognition for their role but also opens opportunities for further study. According to the GrowECD report (2024), practitioners can continue to NQF Level 5 and 6 qualifications and eventually pursue a diploma or degree in ECD or Foundation Phase education.

This training opportunity was made possible through the Muir Foundation in collaboration with the DO MORE FOUNDATION and the Elective Training Institute. Their combined efforts created a meaningful opportunity for practitioners to develop new skills and take positive steps forward in their work. Their collaboration helped create a learning space where practitioners could grow their skills and feel supported in their work. It’s an example of how working together across different sectors can help meet the needs of those supporting young children every day.

Pongola: NQF Level 4 Training for ECD Practitioners

The NQF Level 4 training in Pongola began in August 2024 and concluded on 30 May 2025. The sessions were facilitated by Elizabeth Mafuleka, a qualified teacher through the Elective Training Institute. The training sessions took place three Saturdays a month, allowing practitioners to attend while continuing their day-to-day work. In total, 14 ECD practitioners participated in the programme.

Course focus areas include:

• The holistic development of babies and toddlers
• Setting up indoor and outdoor learning environments
• ECD programme preparation
• Collaborating with communities and families to support them
• Delivering literacy, numeracy, and life skills learning programmes
• Observing and reporting on child development

As part of the training, practitioners completed activities and exercises. These included creating child development files with photos, observations, and progress notes. They also learned how to make educational charts using recycled or low-cost materials, which is an important skill for centres with limited budgets. This practical approach encourages creativity and ensures that learning can continue even when resources are scarce.

Practitioner reflections on NQF Training

One of the practitioners who completed the training expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to be part of the NQF Level 4 group. She reflected on how the training helped address challenges she faced in her ECD centre:

“I was very happy to be part of the group to do NQF Level 4. I had challenges in my ECD centre because I didn’t have Level 4. This opportunity has helped me a lot, and I am so grateful to the Do More Foundation for making it possible.”

She also highlighted the importance of peer support during the training. Practitioners assisted one another with activities and exercises, which made the experience more collaborative and supportive:

“We helped each other with the tasks we had to complete, and that brought us closer together. It improved how we communicate and work as a team.”

Looking ahead, she hopes that more ECD practitioners can benefit from similar opportunities:

“I wish other practitioners could be given the same chance, and if they do, I hope they use it wisely. We would also like to request the Do More Foundation to help us with NQF Level 5.”

Facilitator perspective on NQF Training

The facilitator shared her reflections on the NQF Level 4 training with the group of practitioners in Pongola. With over 30 years of experience in the Foundation Phase as a teacher and a passion for child development, she helped create a learning environment that was both encouraging and supportive. She currently serves as a district facilitator for the Elective Training Institute and has been part of the organisation for the past four years.

She explained that NQF Level 4 is an important milestone, as it is equivalent to a matric level qualification but focused specifically on the care and development of children from birth. She noted that Level 5 would be the next step for practitioners who wish to continue learning and growing in the ECD field. The facilitator observed growth among the practitioners, especially in their confidence when working with children. She described the group as engaged, participative, and open to learning, which made the sessions interactive and collaborative.

This kind of training aligns with the goals set out in South Africa’s National Early Childhood Development Policy (2015) and the ECD Sector Strategy 2023, which both highlight the need for capacity building and practitioner development within the ECD sector. These policies recognise that trained and well-supported practitioners play a key role in improving the quality of early learning for young children.