“The construction project is the latest in a series of ongoing interventions to ensure easier access to quality ECD facilities for children in areas of greatest need in the metropole. It comes hot on the heels of the completion of the Nantes ECD in Silvertown, Athlone which is fully operational,” mayoral committee member for safety and security; and social services JP Smith said.
Built at an overall cost of R8.8 million, the Nantes ECD was just under 500m² and included three classrooms for children aged three to four, and two classrooms for four to five year olds. It included a baby area, sick bay, staff room, ablutions, kitchen area, and a store room. Outside, the facility boasted two equipped play areas, a food garden, a recycling area, and a collection and drop-off zone. The centre was able to house over 100 children.
The Delft ECD Centre in Delft South would be able to house up to 200 children and was expected to be operational towards the end of May. Built at an overall cost of R13 million, the centre featured a number of unconventional design and construction features, resulting in a saving of about 30 percent. The building focused heavily on the reuse of materials and nearly 1500m² of pavers were reclaimed from a demolition site and reused at the school. Recast stormwater drainpipes were also used as windows.
The Nantes and Delft ECD centres brought to 32 the number of city-owned ECDs under the department which were leased to private operators.
“The city is committed to giving as many children the opportunity of a quality early learning platform as possible. That is why, in conjunction with our build programme, we offer assistance to hundreds of private ECD operators every year through training and resources, but also work closely with the Western Cape government department of social development to help unregistered ECDs achieve compliance.
“Many people become frustrated by the rigorous process they have to go through to become registered, but that is what the Children’s Act dictates. It is a national piece of legislation designed to promote child safety and everyone has to abide by it,” Smith said.
The City would spend R2.7 million on ECD resourcing and training for staff in this financial year. The training covered a range of areas from first-aid to business administration, while registered ECDs were also supplied with toys, learning materials, fire extinguishers, etc.
The city had collaborated with the Western Cape department of social development on ECD registration drives in Belhar, Ocean View, Wallacedene, Macassar, Wesbank, Milnerton, and Atlantis. There were about 3000 ECDs in Cape Town, but fewer than half were registered.
“Research has shown that a lack of quality opportunities and interventions during early childhood can significantly disadvantage young children and diminish their potential for success. The stark reality is that there is huge demand for childcare services and for many parents the deciding factor is affordability, which presents a major challenge.
“We must remember that how we invest in children today will shape them tomorrow. As a city, we are committed to understanding the challenges of ECDs and providing real support for this vital sector of our education system,” Smith said.
African News Agency