The Helwel Trust Pays Tree A Visit…
Funder visits are always an important time at TREE, it gives funders a view of our training’s and programmes, while observing developments and the intended outcomes of our projects. It also cultivates the relationship, while building a bond of understanding between funder and beneficiary.
Our long time funder and friends, The Helwel Trust, spent two days visiting ECD centres across KZN North. These centres are operated by recently qualified NQF Level 4 ECD practitioners, funded by The Helwel Trust.
The areas of Nquthu and Nkandla in KZN North, holds a huge place in the hearts of The Helwel Trust as the trust founders, worked for 35 years at Charles Johnson Nquthu Memorial Hospital, there after returning to the UK to form the trust in aims of aiding the many social issues faced in KZN.
“Education’s purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.”
– Malcolm Forbes
SSV’s done right!
Site support visits are an essential part of TREE’s training framework. During these SSV’s our seasoned trainers will mentor, coach and direct our practitioners on key focus areas in the classroom.
On a recent SSV , it was identified that a ECD centre was experiencing issues with funds. to support their day to day costs . It was then through good guidance our trainer Cleopatra Cele was able to do a refresher on How to Raise Funds for a ECD centre.
The centre then went on to host a few fundraising events; ie a beauty contest as well as a bake sale.
Planting foundations
The building of additional infrastructure in 2 of TREE’s operational areas, Eastern Cape and Limpopo has kicked off official.
Above the adding on of additional classrooms, the funding of much needed ECD resources and play equipment for these new centres has also been received gratefully.
As the influx of children without access to quality ECD centres and education increases, it is through great partnerships that we are able to tackle the ECD plight. TREE is able to continue laying the correct foundations, giving each child a chance to succeed.
SAR Conference| AfECN
What a privilege it was for our Director, Mmatsetshweu Ruby Motaung, to deliver a keynote presentation at the Southern Africa Regional Conference on Early Childhood Development in 2023.
The popular subject for this year was “Partnerships for Advancing Quality and Inclusive Early Childhood Development and Education in Southern Africa.”
Ms. Motaung used this opportunity to draw attention to the challenges facing ECD practitioners in South Africa, including their lack of access to high-quality ECD training, education, support, and resources.
Getting to a Solution!
TREE together with MCC and North West University believe that by enhancing the capacity of ECD practitioners through a capacity building access and support program (CBAS), that will ensure easier access for ECD practitioners from vulnerable areas to enroll in, remain in, and succeed in the Diploma: Early Childhood Care and Education.
The goal being to build an exceptional ECD workforce, which will then shape and produce ECD excellence, through our young children.
Repurpose for purpose (R4P)
The Repurpose for Purpose (R4P) project focuses on addressing the skills gap that continues to exist in ECD. Cognitive development skill, such as literacy and math have been identified as the most weak learning areas according to the ELOM assessment.
R4P which is intiative powered by the Do More Foundation together with Barrows, have gotten together to produce free ECD resources aimed at tackling these learning areas within our ECD centres.
Dryden, Mpumalanga
A recent visit to the community of Dryden, Mpumalanga, saw our Programmes Director Mrs Teressa Ngobese and Snr Trainer Ms Cleopatra Nana Cele, visiting with key stakeholders to address the dire necessity for ECD within the community.
In 2022 a group of funded students completed 2 of TREE’s standalone electives, these electives being, Care for Babies, Toddlers and Young Children and Interact with Babies, Toddlers and Young Children.
These modules ignited a newfound passion and understanding for ECD, so much so that practitioners went on to recruit children to form their own structured playgroups, while some went on to liaise with community officials to request a building to start an ECD centre.
We love when our practitioners relay stories of wanting more for the children and communities they live in, it gives them a sense of hope and being.
A plea!
The Dryden community is desperately lacking basic infrastructure and resources, should you be interested in helping… click here to see how you can help Fund an ECD centre or Fund a Practitioner.