SITFE Building Brighter Futures for Young Children in Phongola & Nkomazi

The ongoing investment by SITFE in training ECD practitioners in Nkomazi and infrastructure development in Phongola's ECD centres has had a transformative impact on young children at these centres.

The ongoing investment by the Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education (SITFE) in capacity building and training early childhood development (ECD) practitioners in Nkomazi as well as infrastructure development in Phongola's ECD centres had a truly transformative impact on the young children attending these centres.

SITFE lives out a mission inspired by this quote by James Heckmen, 2000 Nobel Prize Winner for Economic Sciences: “Early childhood development is the most powerful investment in human capital that a country can make”.

Through a powerful partnership with the DO MORE FOUNDATION and our implementing partners Niya Consulting and Ntataise Lowveld, SITFE supports, promotes and elevates sustainable, quality education in uPhongolo (KwaZulu-Natal) and Nkomazi (Mpumalanga) to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the young children and their families in these rural communities.

Providing high-quality education and training for ECD practitioners is essential for the holistic development of young children. When educators are well-trained, they play a pivotal role in nurturing children's growth across all key developmental domains - emotional, social and cognitive.

This strong foundation not only supports children's immediate learning but also sets them up for lifelong success. Quality education in the early years is the cornerstone of a child's overall development, and investing in the skills of educators is investing in the future of our children.

Capacity building and training of Nkomazi’s ECD centre practitioners

In Nkomazi, the capacity building of ECD centre practitioners has been a game-changer, thanks to two impactful training programs. The first is a 12-month practical skills training course, which empowered 30 practitioners with essential knowledge and hands-on experience. Every two months, they immersed themselves in five-day training sessions, each covering different unit standards.

Over the year, they compiled portfolios of evidence, completed assignments, and passed tests. Monitoring and evaluation through site visits ensured that they were not only absorbing the material but also applying it effectively in their ECD centres. This rigorous training, accredited for four-unit standards and 20 credits, has already opened doors for many practitioners who were previously volunteering, with some now securing permanent positions.

The impact of this training extends significantly, benefiting 560 children who now enjoy enhanced care and a more enriching early learning environment because of the practitioners' newly acquired skills and dedication.

For those who were ready to take their education to the next level, the NQF Level 4 formal training provided an 18-month journey into the heart of early childhood education. Supported by SITFE, 12 practitioners from the first phase of the program embarked on this intensive course, which ran from June 2022 to September 2023, accredited by ETDP SETA and earning them 140 credits.

This training not only enriched their understanding of ECD programs across eight wards but also equipped them with the skills to foster a nurturing and organized environment for young children. The ripple effect of this training is profound—positively impacting the development and well-being of 498 children under their care, ensuring they receive the quality education and attention they need to thrive.

Both training programs, accredited by SETA, highlight the profound impact of quality education and support. The result? Practitioners who are not only more confident and capable but also deeply committed to nurturing the emotional, social, and cognitive development of the children in their care.

The results and achievements from this investment have been truly transformative. ECD practitioners in Nkomazi have gained both confidence and expertise in delivering exceptional care to children aged zero to five years. Where there were once gaps, these practitioners are now equipped with a comprehensive understanding of early childhood development, ensuring that children in the community receive top-notch early learning experiences. This advancement translates into early and effective stimulation, which greatly benefits the overall growth and development of the young ones.

ECD centres infrastructure upgrades in uPhongolo

In uPhongolo (northern KwaZulu-Natal), a brighter future is being built for our youngest generation. 10 ECD centres have been transformed with the installation of 5250-litres JoJo tanks, ensuring access to clean water, better hygiene, and improved sanitation. These upgrades are more than just infrastructure; they are a lifeline for rural communities facing the harsh realities of climate change, like droughts and heat waves.

With 26% of the population lacking piped water, these tanks are a game-changer, especially for the 35,000 children under nine who are most at risk. This initiative is a powerful step toward securing a healthier, more resilient future for uPhongolo’s children.

The partner’s funding has had a remarkable impact, not only by enhancing the educational backgrounds of the practitioners but also by significantly elevating the quality of education available to children in Nkomazi. This invaluable support has raised the bar for both practitioners' expertise and educational standards, ensuring that every child enjoys a richer, more effective early childhood education.

These success stories underscore the transformative power of dedicated training in shaping skilled and knowledgeable caregivers for the future.

Contact our Partnerships Team to work with us to create better tomorrows for South Africa’s young children, their families, and communities: iris.naidoo@domore.org.za