EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

“The question is not whether we can afford to invest in every child, it is whether we can afford not to.” – Marian Wright Edelman, children’s rights activist

The evidence is overwhelming. The first five years of a child’s life are critical. During this phase, brain development dramatically influences the child’s future learning, behaviour, health and ultimately, their ability to become a well-functioning, fulfilled and productive member of society.

In the words of author, Jelena Aleksov: “Outside of that five-year window, we lose opportunities we may never get back. That’s why making the most of the first five years of a child’s life through timely interventions focused on providing quality education and care is so vital.”

Ranyaka is currently working with 60 Early Childhood Development centres in Stellenbosch and Paarl to help create safe and stimulating environments for optimal development for the children in their care. Our work in this critical space is made possible by funding from Nedbank’s Proud of my Town programme in those areas.

The current focus areas of the programme are:

• Safety: The painting of ECD centres with intumescent (fire-retardant) paint, the provision and servicing of fire extinguishers, the provision of safety signage and first-aid equipment and training in health and safety

• Training: Capacity-building of ECD staff in the areas of health, safety, nutrition and financial management of their centres

• Nutrition: The provision of nutrient-dense breakfast porridges to centres in need of support