The importance of equipping parents, caregivers and Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioners with practical knowledge to support young children was at the centre of a three-day ECD Parental/Primary Caregiver National Parenting Support Programme Refresher Workshop held at Emperors Palace in Gauteng from 26 to 28 August 2026.
Hosted by the Department of Basic Education (DBE), in collaboration with UNICEF South Africa, Hope World Wide, and the Department of Health, the Workshop brought participants together to deepen their understanding of the factors that shape children’s development during the early years and strengthen the support provided to families and caregivers.
Ms Lungile Mdluli from UNICEF South Africa provided an overview of the reviewed programme and highlighted key enhancements, including the consolidation of two manuals into one comprehensive manual and the development of an additional resource booklet to support implementation. The revised content incorporated stakeholder inputs, updated research and strengthened areas such as inclusion and practical support for caregivers.
Throughout the three days, participants explored the different dimensions of children’s development, including healthy family relationships, positive discipline, social and emotional development, physical development, play and creativity, brain development and language stimulation.
Ms Mpho Papale, Social Work Policy Manager from the ECD Directorate, facilitated discussions on Children’s Rights and Responsibilities, highlighting the responsibility of parents, caregivers, communities and other adults to respect, protect and uphold children’s rights. She also facilitated sessions on healthy family relationships and child safety and protection.
The workshop also addressed the wellbeing of caregivers themselves with Mr Mike Kgoroeadira from Hope Worldwide engaging participants in practical activities on self-care, coping and building healthy connections, emphasising the importance of recognising when support was needed and seeking appropriate assistance.
The sessions further examined how children could be supported through difficult experiences. The Loss and Trauma session, facilitated by Ms Kgopotso Khumalo from the DBE, focused on recognising signs that children may be struggling with loss or trauma and responding with sensitivity to their individual circumstances.
Health and nutrition formed another important part of the programme. Mr Pfarelo Mudau from the Child, Youth and School Health Directorate at the Department of Health highlighted the value of the Road to Health Booklet in supporting children’s health, nutrition, growth and development and identifying children who may require additional support.
Inclusion remained a key theme, with Ms Nelanie Boshoff and Ms Yonela Hofu, social workers from Uhambo, facilitating discussions on Inclusion and Children with Disabilities. Participants explored practical ways of creating environments where children with disabilities could learn, play, participate and develop their independence.
The final day brought together key themes around play, brain development, language stimulation and child safety and protection. Ms Mdluli also facilitated discussions on Physical Development, encouraging participants to reflect on everyday practices that supported children’s natural movement and development. The workshop concluded by reinforcing the collective responsibility of government, ECD practitioners, families, communities and partners in creating supportive environments that enabled young children to grow, learn and reach their full potential.