Celebrating living ECD legends
Knysna Education Trust (Ket) recently held its 30th annual general meeting, where they celebrated the milestone. Having serviced the ECD (early childhood development) sector for three decades, the organisation has worked with hundreds of ECD teachers and principals.
"These principals work tirelessly to care for our children," said Nella Gysman, Ket registration manager. "Running an ECD facility requires them to wear many hats. First, they need to be caring and compassionate to work with children.
“Then, they need to be continuously learning and training so that they can offer the best support to the teachers who work under them. They also need to be businesswomen who understand ECD legislation and who are willing to work with us to ensure compliance with the safety norms and standards."
ECD facilities such as crèches, daycares and preschools are essential safe places for children to develop social, physical, emotional and cognitive skills in preparation for formal school. Without the availability of these institutions, children's development would be delayed.
Ket general manager Angelina Smith said they wanted to acknowledge the leaders of these ECD facilities for being pillars of their communities.
"They have had a significant positive impact on hundreds, if not thousands of children's lives."
The event on 6 September was also an opportunity to honour a trustee who has been with Ket since the beginning and has recently made the decision to step down. Nompumelelo Koti was awarded Honorary Lifetime Community Elder & Advisor to the Knysna Education Trust for her wise council and dedication to the community over the years.
Ket also used the AGM as an opportunity
to celebrate 10 ECD facilities that have been affiliated and operating in Knysna Municipality's informal settlements for over 25 years. The women who head these facilities have been extremely dedicated, facing challenges with courage and perseverance. They are: Hildurstent Crèche - 45years
Bitou Round Table Crèche - 36years Humpty Dumpty Crèche & Preprimary- 36 years
Ethembeni Daycare - 35 years Bongani Preschool - 33 years Eyethu Educare Centre - 30 years Little Teddies Crèche - 30 years Noluthando Creche & Preschool - 27 years
St Patrick's Magdeleentjie Kindergarden - 27 years
Siyafunda Educare Centre - 25 years