Early Childhood Development (ECD) has migrated from the Department of Social Development to the DBE with more than 700,000 children currently accessing ECD across the country. The next step in the process is to proceed towards two years of compulsory ECD for all children in preparation for Grade 1.

The DBE, in partnership with the Vodacom Foundation, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, UN Women and Global Citizen handed over an ECD Centre at Divhani Crèche and School of Excellence at the Frank Ravele Secondary School in Vhembe, Limpopo Province on 20 March 2019.

The Frank Ravele Secondary School is one of 12 Schools of Excellence identified by the DBE for the collaboration with Vodacom. Vodacom currently connects 3,000 schools and 92 Teacher Centres across the country. The Divhani community crèche, which is one of 15 ECD Centres chosen for refurbishments, received a complete infrastructure makeover, including a mini computer laboratory, proper sanitation, educational toys and a trolley solution with tablet devices which function as part of a mobile library. Vodacom also provides ICT teacher training, waterless toilets and the refurbishment of toilets and furniture.

Deputy Minister Enver Surty welcomed Vodacom’s efforts in providing infrastructure and digital literacy to communities. Reflecting on ECD, Deputy Minister Surty commended Vodacom for prioritising the safety of learners by ensuring age-appropriate infrastructure and sanitation for a conducive environment for teaching and learning, as well as restoring the dignity of learners.

Vodacom Chief Officer for Corporate Affairs, Ms Takalani Netshitenzhe said: “The education ecosystem will address socio-economic challenges faced by rural communities where educational institutions and facilities are poorly resourced. This partnership will ensure that we address challenges together”.