EDUCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA:

Research around the world has shown that the best way to break the poverty cycle is through education, with one of the most effective strategies being a focus of Early Childhood Development (ECD). Unfortunately, our South-African education is in a crisis. More than half of children who starts Grade 1 drops out of school before Matric, and the "real" Matric pass rate of 2020 is estimated at 44% (News24, 2021). Statistics SA reports that only 37% of children 0-4 currently attend an ECD facility. and less than half of the children under five have access to ECD programs, despite this being the best time to invest in a child's education (see graph_1).

WHY IS ECD IMPORTANT:

Early Childhood Development (ECD) is by far the most effective way of ensuring that children pass through the foundation phase successfully, with the necessary skills and knowledge required for subject work and more advanced content. Sensitive periods for brain development that are critical to educational success peak in the pre-school years, including number, language and emotional control (see graph_2).

Stimulation during these years determines potential for holistic development, and most of the potential is built while a child is playing and exploring. Young children need many different experiences to create the neural pathways and connections required for further learning.