I hope this message finds you well. We are excited to announce the launch of our ECD Woman Project, an initiative aimed at addressing the shortage of Early Childhood Development (ECD) Practitioners in South Africa. We believe that your forum, with its extensive network of ECD Centres, is ideally positioned to benefit from and contribute to this transformative project.
Project Overview
This project is offered by ENJO Consultants and SDS Sustainability Projects. ENJO Consultants, as the accredited training provider, will deliver high-quality training, while SDS Sustainability Projects will manage the project.
This project is funded by the Department of Employment and Labour and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) through the Labour Activation Programme (LAP). LAP enter into partnerships with private businesses, SETAs, and NGOs to create thousands of employment opportunities. The Labour Activation Programmes aim to curb unemployment by providing training and work placement opportunities, thus addressing both the shortage of ECD Practitioners and offering unemployed candidates the chance to enter employment.
This project is designed to train and place 1,500 ECD Practitioners in ECD Centres across Gauteng during 2024/2025. This initiative aligns with the South African government’s goals to enhance the quality and accessibility of early childhood education. Our broader objective is to train and place 10,000 ECD Practitioners in ECD Centres across various provinces over the next five years.
How the Project Works
ENJO Consultants offer high quality accredited training programmes to ECD Practitioners and School Principals. The training includes the QCTO Occupational Certificate ECD – Level 4 and the ETDP SETA National Diploma: Early Childhood Development Level 5. Practitioners will undergo training one week per month at designated training sites and will be placed at ECD Centres for the remaining weeks over a 12-month period. This practical experience is essential for them to complete their qualifications.
Commitment from ECD Centres
We request a commitment from each participating ECD Centre of R1,000 per month to cover the transport costs of the ECD learners. Additionally, ECD Centres are expected to provide mentorship and guidance to the trainees during their placement. After the 12-month period, ECD Centres have the option to employ the qualifying candidates full-time, thereby gaining a highly trained ECD Practitioner.
It is important for the ECD Centres to commit to employing qualifying candidates who shows commitment and ability to work with children at the end of the programme, but also note that there is no consequences to the ECD Centre should they not be able to employ the candidates at the end of the programme and if they are only able to provide workplace experience for the duration of the programme.
Benefits for ECD Centres
Participating ECD Centres will benefit from:
- Access to well-trained ECD Practitioners at a minimal cost of R1,000 per month for the first 12 months.
- Potential long-term employment of qualified candidates.
- Inclusion in a project that supports the South African government’s ECD goals.
- Regular visits and feedback sessions from our project support team to ensure the smooth integration of trainees.
Benefits for Your Forum
By partnering with us, your forum will:
- Provide your network of ECD Centres with access to trained practitioners who can enhance the quality of education and care provided to children.
- Help address the critical shortage of ECD Practitioners in South Africa.
- Support the reduction of unemployment by offering training and work opportunities to unemployed candidates.
- Gain increased exposure as we feature your forum’s contact details on our website and social media platforms.
- Receive a free series of ECD Leadership training for principals of your network’s ECD Centres, accessible via mobile phones, with certification upon completion.
What We Expect from Our Partnership
We seek to partner with your ECD Forum to extend this opportunity to your network of ECD Centres. We ask that you share this invitation with your members and encourage them to participate. For this 2024/2025 rollout, we require interested ECD Centres to complete the attached letters on their letterhead and return them to us by 12 August 2024.
Our team will evaluate each application and provide feedback within 90 working days. Qualifying ECD Centres will receive a site visit from our professional verifiers, who will provide guidance on supporting the trainees.
Additionally, the Labour Activation Programme will contact each ECD Centre directly as part of the vetting process to confirm their commitment to this project.
Our Commitment to ECD Centres
- All ECD Practitioner Trainees will undergo police clearance before placement.
- Accredited training programmes and continuous support will be provided to both trainees and ECD Centres.
- Should a trainee not perform as expected, we will investigate and, if necessary, provide a replacement.
Additional Benefits
- Your forum’s contact details will be featured on our website and social media platforms, increasing exposure for your organization.
- We will offer a free series of ECD Leadership training to principals of your network’s ECD Centres, accessible via mobile phones, with certification upon completion.
Conclusion
This initiative represents a unique opportunity to enhance the quality of ECD services in South Africa. By partnering with us, you can help ensure that ECD Centres in your network benefit from adequately trained practitioners, contributing to the overall improvement of early childhood education and the reduction of unemployment.
For your reference, we have attached the Labour Activation Programmes booklet to this proposal. We look forward to your positive response and the opportunity to collaborate for the betterment of ECD services in our country.
Please feel free to contact me directly on 073 702 3177 or for any further information.
Warm regards,
Maritza Kruger
Project Manager
ENJO Consultants
