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Bushbuckridge, 21 May 2025 – Families in Bushbuckridge are getting vital support to raise healthy, happy young children, thanks to the introduction of the EAT LOVE PLAY TALK (ELPT) programme at four local Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres.
This rollout has been made possible through a new partnership between the DO MORE FOUNDATION and Rama (a Siqalo Foods brand), which is committed to helping build better communities across South Africa by supporting early childhood development in the communities where it operates.
The programme, led by the South African-based NPO DO MORE FOUNDATION, trains ECD practitioners and playgroup facilitators to guide parents/caregivers of children aged 0–5 through fun and practical workshops.
ELPT helps families make informed, practical health and nutrition choices using resources they already have. These sessions encourage small changes in daily habits that can have a big impact on young children’s development.
The seven ELPT playbooks focus on four key areas:
EAT: Nutrition education and food gardens
LOVE: Building strong, loving relationships
PLAY: Supporting learning and development through play
TALK: Boosting early communication and literacy
So far, 20 facilitators have been trained and have already delivered the first of seven sessions to 218 parents/caregivers, focusing on pregnancy and community participation. The second session, which focuses on breastfeeding, is currently being rolled out.
“Facilitators and parents are eager to learn and share. We focus on healthy eating, strong relationships, playful learning, and good communication,” says Nondumiso Chibi, an ECD Facilitator and ELPT Programme Trainer in Bushbuckridge from LIMA Rural Development Foundation. “The sessions are interactive, meaningful and everyone is involved.”
Dr Jessica Ronaassen, Advocacy & Innovation Lead and ELPT Programme Developer at the DO MORE FOUNDATION adds: “We’ve seen parents become more confident in making healthier choices, engaging with their children, and creating nurturing home environments. ELPT helps lay a strong foundation for every child’s future.”
ECD practitioners, parents and caregivers are encouraged to access the free playbooks here: EAT LOVE PLAY TALK Resource Library
Spokespeople:
Dr Jessica Ronaasen
Advocacy & Innovation Lead and ELPT Programme Developer
DO MORE FOUNDATION (Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth)
jessica.ronaasen@domore.org.za
074 118 8554
Nondumiso Chibi
ECD Facilitator and ELPT Programme Trainer
LIMA Rural Development Foundation (Bushbuckridge)
nondumiso.chibi@lima.org.za
072 998 27421