A safe, healthy and conducive learning environment is critical for children to maximise their early learning and to build a strong foundation for their development. That is why the Capricorn Foundation is investing in quality early childhood development (ECD), through credible organisations, to maximize the future well-being of the Namibian child. The Capricorn Foundation is proud to announce its support of the Development Workshop Namibia (DW) for its project titled, “Improving the Quality of ECD in Informal Settlements, Developing Early Literacy and Enhancing Play-Based Learning", with a donation of N$400 000. The support will be channeled towards the upgrading of 10 of 56 ECD centres that DW supports in the Oshakati informal settlements. The different infrastructural developments will directly benefit 300 children at the centres. A further 1 400 children from 46 ECD centres in Oshakati will also benefit through the shared services of libraries.
“With numerous centres in Oshakati in need of assistance. The 10 centres will be selected based on the best practice criteria combined with the teacher's passion for ECD and interaction with young children. These centres will be then identified as Beacons. Beacon ECD centres will serve as representatives of their neighbouring ECD centres within their specific cluster or community. In return, our team will provide mentorship, coaching and support to the Beacon centres and empower them to be the inspiration and support within their communities" said Hilma Weber, ECD Programme Manager.
The Capricorn funded ECD project, which will be completed by June this year, will see developments in the following areas: Physical improvements of 10 ECD centres by infrastructure improvements; establishing micro-libraries at 10 ECD centres to provide literacy opportunities; and the training of 120 ECD teachers through pedagogical support teacher training and the development of teacher workbooks.
Physical Improvements of ECD centres:
The ECD centres in the informal settlements of the town, are severely under-resourced with overcrowded classrooms, resulting in poor infrastructure which can be both unsafe and unhygienic for children. The project will ensure infrastructure improvements through upgrading the center, building playgrounds, toilets, etc.
Establishing Mini Libraries:
The project will create children's libraries in 10 ECD centres located in informal settlements, further providing each ECD centre with a library box filled with children's books and parental publications supported by UNICEF. Although the Libraries are only set up at 10 ECD centres, all centres in Oshakati will have access to the library to source books to use in their respective centres.
Training ECD Teachers:
About a 120 ECD educators will benefit from specialized training on the best practices of storytelling, reading and literacy development for young children.
Maura Amagora, a teacher from Amagora Kindergarten and Preschool, who has benefitted from some of the training had this to say: “Before these trainings, it was very difficult. I did not have experience with teaching kids, I didn't know the different techniques and play methods for early childhood development. The training is helping me a lot."
DWN is a registered Namibian NGO with a focus on sustainable urban development, informal settlements and the disadvantaged communities that reside in them. The organisations's ECD project forms part of an ECD programme that works in close collaboration with the Ministries of Gender and Education, developing and testing approaches that contribute to wider national programmes.
"The Capricorn Foundation is committed to improve the learning environments of young children and their teachers across Namibia. High quality early childhood development gives children a strong foundation for their future education. Research shows that children who have access to quality education from a very young age are more likely to start their formal school education equipped with the cognitive, social and emotional skills they need to thrive." said Marlize Horn, Group Executive: Brand and Corporate Affairs and Acting Head of the Capricorn Foundation.
Capricorn Foundation has partnered with various organisations whose aim it is to improve Early Childhood Education in Namibia. As Connectors of Positive Change, the Capricorn Foundation will will host an ECD workshop on 16 March, connecting all key player of early childhood development for a public discussion.
