Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioners are essential in providing the care, stability, and developmental support that shape the future health, learning, and well-being of young children. Recognising their critical role, a new ‘ECD Stipend Programme’ has been launched in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District to ensure consistent education for children in the communities through easing financial strain on the centres.
Funded by Kathu Solar Park, the three year programme supports over 60 staff members across 25 ECD centres, addressing the financial challenges that have left 70% of staff earning below minimum wage. By improving working conditions and offering much-needed financial relief, the initiative aims to retain qualified practitioners and elevate the quality of early childhood education in the district.
“Ensuring that principals and teachers receive fair compensation for their work, will in the short to medium term improve staff retention, boost morale, and enhance the quality of teaching,” said Sandisiwe Mntonintshi, Socio-Economic Development Manager at Kathu Solar Park.
Implemented by the Centre for Early Childhood Development (CECD), the decision to execute this programme stems from financial challenges identified through research, with some principals even working without any salary. The stipends are intended to support the sustainability of these centres, improving access to quality ECD services for disadvantaged families in the district.
Isabella Letsoana, Principal of Bethlehem Day Care in Kathu, commented, “The stipend will be of great help to my team and me because we are currently not receiving any basic stipend from any organisation. This programme will encourage practitioners to stay and not seek other better-paying jobs.”
This stipend initiative runs in parallel with the Kathu Solar Park ECD project, which aims to strengthen centres in Kathu, Kuruman, and Olifantshoek. The project offers a comprehensive support package that includes teacher training, educational equipment provision, mentorship, leadership and management development, infrastructure upgrades, ECD forum strengthening, parent education, fire and health safety training and equipment, and assistance with registration processes. Together, these efforts enhance access to quality ECD services in the District.
In closing, Mntonintshi stressed the importance of funding ECD for children’s holistic growth from birth to age nine, saying, “Quality services are vital for children’s development, yet many centres in the Northern Cape struggle financially, limiting their ability to retain staff and provide adequate care. Our goal is to improve access to quality ECD services through sustained financial support over the next three years.”
