How South Africa is tackling its early learning childhood crisis
The South African government has established policies to improve literacy and numeracy challenges in early childhood development centers.
Image: Picture: Jason Boud.
South Africa’s early childhood education is undergoing significant reforms to address longstanding challenges in literacy and numeracy. Although in 2022, 98% school attendance of children from ages 7 to 17 was recorded, there is still a substantial number of learners who struggle to read and write.
Following the recognition of the importance of early learning in South Africa, the government implemented policies that enhance foundational education.
Such initiatives involve making Grade R (the reception year before Grade 1) compulsory for five to six-year-olds and including early learning centres under the Department of Basic Education's jurisdiction.
At the National Assembly in Cape Town, Siviwe Gwarube, Minister of Basic Education, said, "the department is prioritising access to quality early childhood development, recognising that the formative years are critical to laying a strong foundation for a learners’ education journey".
Although efforts are acknowledged, the reforms still face challenges such as complex registration processes and public funding shortages, which hinder the effective operation of community-run businesses.
To bridge this gap, grassroots initiatives have materialised.
Faith Nedoboni, a 57-year-old single mother of three children from Soweto established an after-school program in the neighborhood that aims to strengthen early childhood development. This effort transitioned to Konka Academy, focusing on children up to Grade R, and aims to offer quality education that improves numeracy and literacy levels despite systemic challenges.
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With better resources and trained educators, new reforms allow children to thrive in numeracy and literacy through play-based learning.
Image: Picture: Cindy Waxa/ Independent Newspapers Archives
International organisations and the private sector add value to these efforts as Breadline Africa, a non-profit organisation, repurposes the use of shipping containers into early childhood development centers such as libraries, nutrition areas and classrooms to enhance educational infrastructures in marginalised communities.
International leaders are also supporting South Africa's educational initiatives. In an effort to support early childhood development, Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer, recently visited the country.
Through his charitable foundation, Federer provides funding for initiatives that try to reduce dropout rates and boost school attendance in six Southern African nations, including South Africa. Throughout his visit, Federer emphasised the importance of books, playgrounds, and enthusiastic educators in creating an effective educational system.
A national commitment to reviving early childhood education in South Africa is demonstrated by these combined efforts. The country hopes to provide a better educational foundation that equips young people for future academic and personal success by resolving funding issues, streamlining administrative procedures, and encouraging community-driven projects.
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