When it comes to the importance of early childhood development – you need to consider your child right from the moment they are born. Children’s early experiences deeply affect the way they determine the world around them. The first bonds they make – with their parents and their first learning experiences play a vital role in developing their future physical, cognitive, emotional and social development.

“The early years of human development establish the basic architecture and function of the brain.” – J. Fraser Mustard.

Early childhood development education in South Africa is sadly being overlooked – especially in disadvantaged communities. A child’s brain develops rapidly and at 5 years old they have already built their core neural pattern by up to 90%. Have a look at Theirworld’s #5for5 Campaign to see more on the first five years of your child’s life and the important role it plays in developing holistic people that are grounded. It is for this reason that children need access to quality care that encompasses nutrition, health, learning, play and protection.

Masicorp ECD

There are many education charities in Cape Town, however, Masicorp is unique – with 26 education, training and skills development projects taking place in the community. We start at grassroots level with our early childhood development education programmes that provide a solid grounding for children living in Masi.

Masicorp’s ECD centres provide quality education with a direct approach to balancing a child’s needs. Combined with healthy nutrition for a developing brain, interactive classes, outdoor play, and a caring approach to each child on an individual basis. We have tailored our ECD centres around the importance of early childhood development and by engaging key stakeholders we work towards a common goal to improve the standard of facilities; provision of staff training and improving health and nutrition in our ECD centres.

For people living in Masiphumelele there is extremely limited access to quality early childhood education. Even though Masicorp’s ECD centres charge fees we have many subsidised costs to account for. We know the importance of early childhood development education and that is why we even run a fee support programme, which ensures no child gets left behind. We also feed the children two hot nutritious meals daily and this may be the only food they eat for the entire day.

Branching into Education the Masicorp way

Masicorp has taken decisive steps – infiltrating the community with representatives who interact with the people of Masiphumelele so that all our programmes stay relevant and effective for the people who live here. We believe that education is the surest route out of poverty – hence we ensure all our programmes branch out from ECD level into adult programmes, which equip people with the skills they need for a brighter future for themselves and their families.

The importance of early childhood development can’t be overlooked – however, it is also vital to keep a child stimulated to keep growing and learning well into the future.

Masicorp’s Learning Labs

Masicorp works together with Ukhanyo Primary School in Masiphumelele to keep education at the forefront of the community’s development. The English Hub and Maths Lab are run by Masicorp and aid children who struggle with English and Maths at Ukhanyo Primary School in Masiphumelele – providing them with a support structure to help them excel in the classroom.

Ukhanyo is the only Primary School in Masiphumelele and it doesn’t charge fees. Like many schools in disadvantaged communities, it is under-resourced and overcrowded. The teachers as well as the learners here face daily obstacles that impede learning – but with your support we can change the daily learning experience and allow children to excel.

This holistic approach to education is what makes Masicorp an industry leading education charity in Cape Town. We have created pathways from early childhood development education to adult education programmes that bridge the gaps for people living in Masiphumelele and help them gain vital skills that will deliver them into a brighter future.

There is nothing like seeing someone grow and develop – going on to thrive. We have witnessed #SuccessStories because of our programmes and we earnestly believe that success starts with early childhood development as it is a key contributor towards building empowered people that have access to equal opportunities. If you believe in the power of education donate now to be a part of the change in South Africa, you want to see.