Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
06 November 2023 | 18:11 CAT

Image: Afrika Tikkun

Early childhood development (ECD) is a comprehensive approach to programmes and policies for children from birth to seven years of age. Its purpose is to protect the rights of children to develop their full cognitive, emotional, social and physical potential.

One such organisation that has been doing this for its communities across regions in South Africa is the Afrika Tikkun Bambanani, which has developed a 444 campaign for Early Childhood Development.

To elaborate on this further, Radio Islam International discussed ECD with Afrika Tikkun project manager Thabang Molefe. In recent years, there has been a keen focus on ECD, which is Early Childhood Development that has come in the form of mentors, books and digital applications.

“ECD is so important because from the ages of zero as a child’s brain is developing and is almost fully developed by the age of six. During this time, children need to get a great foundation which enables them to thrive and move forward in life,” Molefe said.

According to Molefe, South Africa has the highest failure rate at the end of grade one.

Molefe pointed out the critical factor behind the low stats resulting from the failure to attend to the needs of children in their earlier phases.

ECD encompasses those tender years from 2 to 6, often called the Nursery School years. It’s during this period that young minds are like sponges, eager to soak up knowledge and build the foundation for a lifetime of learning.

Afrika Tikkun Bambanani has announced that its ‘444’ campaign is underway. Afrika Tikkun Bambanani’s mission revolves around Early Childhood Development (ECD), which it considers to be a critical phase in a child’s life.

It costs Afrika Tikkun Bambanani just R444 to provide a year of quality education to an underprivileged child in its ECD programme. The campaign challenges listeners to pledge only R444 to put a child through school for a year and transform a life.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Annisa Essack.