25 NEW ECD PRACTITIONERS WELCOMED INTO TRAINING PROGRAMME

As the Northern Cape continues to work towards strengthening the Early Childhood Development through reforms such as the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, the need for qualified and professionally trained practitioners has never been greater. Recognising the critical role that it plays in laying the foundation for lifelong learning, the Department of Basic Education has welcomed ongoing investments from Droogfontein Solar Power in practitioner development and praised the role of practitioners’ describing them as essential to improving to strengthen the quality of early learning in the Northern Cape, in line with the Children’s Act.

Dr Palesa Manwedi-Thulo, District Director, Frances Baard District commented, saying, ‘This solar farm’s commitment to community development is demonstrated through meaningful investments in ECD across the Northern Cape. Their support to local communities is aligned with national policies and the provisions of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, which promote the protection, care, development and wellbeing of young children.” She added that the solar plant’s support, from accredited practitioner training to infrastructure upgrades, governance training, first aid and continuous mentorship, has strengthened practitioner capacity and improved the quality of teaching, learning and care at local ECD centres.

The latest group of practitioners (25) from Riverton, Ritchie, Barkly West and Kimberley have been welcomed to Droogfontein Solar Power’s ECD Training Programme, now in its sixth year, poised to achieve their NQF Level 4 training, which commenced last month.

The programme is delivered by training and development specialist Custoda in partnership with Sol Plaatje University, which provides the accredited course content. Training follows a blended learning model, comprising one week of theory and three weeks of practical placement each month over a two-year period. This approach is designed to equip practitioners with both accredited qualifications and hands-on classroom experience, strengthening the quality of teaching and care during the foundational years.

One of the new trainees, 31-year-old Althea Nobenda from Lesedi Daycare Centre shared why the opportunity matters to her. “To me it means that I’m capable to change many young lives and I can become a good practitioner. I have a huge love for children, and I care about their well-being and their future. This training will help me to become a good, caring and loving practitioner who has the future of the children in her hands.”

Consistent year-on-year implementation is central to the programme’s impact. Early Childhood Development yields measurable benefits over time: improvements in school readiness, learning foundations, and overall child development are incremental. Ongoing support helps build strong EDC centres, maintains practitioner skills, fosters community trust and allows the programme to adapt to changing local needs.

“This programme equips practitioners with recognised qualifications including both NQF Level 4 and 5 as well as practical skills that enhance teaching capabilities so they can give young children the best start and lay the foundation for a quality education,” added Noluthando Mazibuko, Economic Development Specialist at Droogfontein Solar Power.