Dear Portfolio Committee on Basic Education,
I read the Ministers article in the Sunday Times; 2 Jan 2025 entitled 'Early Childhood development is no quick fix, but it is the right fix.' YES, I agree whole heartedly!
However, we need some clarity on the definition of ECD. Currently it is used to include childcare facilities run by people with little or no appropriate education where children from 2 months old to entry to Grade R attend. That's not how I see it.
To me it should be focused development of a child and family from conception to 3yrs old - the first 1000 days? - and should include the parents (grandparents?) who are often uneducated themselves. The people managing this phase should be better "trained' than those managing Matrics. Trained, because this is a function requiring skills as well as knowledge of the development phases etc. The Teacher should be trained to able to instil some pride, integrity, good behavioral norms in both parents and grandparents, advise them regarding discipline etc etc. Explain their roles, like reading to the child, maybe in many cases they are unable to read themselves, teach the family elders. There is so much to consider, and I seem to be running out of space. South Africa has an unfortunate history, often things like respect, accepted behavioral norms, alcohol abuse, get in the way of bringing up children and this type of ECD period is an opportunity to develop the family structure to be more caring and developmental. Maybe link social grants to family attendance? Maybe it would turn the GBV figures down - who knows until its tried?
I would be willing to discuss this further, I live not far away in Riebeek Kasteel, I am retired.
Dip Elec Engineering; BA (psych & education); teachers diploma (Tertiary); MBA .