Chris Hani ECD practitioners celebrate
Group honoured at graduation ceremony, after Covid delay
Along-awaited graduation ceremony for 17 Chris Hani Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioners was finally held in Komani at the Roman Catholic Church hall on Friday.
The dedicated educators completed their ECD level four training in 2019, but the Covid-19 pandemic prevented them from having a formal graduation ceremony until now.
South African Early Childhood Development Union provincial chairperson, Mantombi Ngubo, who is based in Molteno, said though the group had attained their diplomas, they had missed out on having a formal graduation ceremony.
Ngubo said they had received their training in East London, but among the 30 practitioners from the Chris Hani district, 17 were affiliated to the South African Early Childhood Development Union, while the others belonged to
different ECD unions. “The department of education offered us training courses to focus on children from age 0-five years old.
“The training taught us how children develop physically, mentally and emotionally, as well as how important it is for us to be observant as teachers.”
She said the group of women ECD practitioners who attended their graduation ceremony were from Molteno, Whittlesea, Lesseyton,
Ezibeleni, Ilinge and Machibini, and other areas.
“I feel happy this day finally came. A graduation speaks volumes, even after I have departed from this world.
“People will know that I was a graduate of ECD level four.
“We are all grateful and happy as graduates.
“We are looking forward for the department to assist us to attain levels five and six which we also desire to reach,” an ECD practitioner said.
Ngubo said the education department had trained preschool teachers who did not have sufficient training to work as ECD practitioners.
“Some of us only had workshop certificates.
“The department’s requirement was for us to have an ECD level four qualification to be fit to teach children,” she said.
“This is also for us to keep up with the times as the education system evolves.
“Years ago, preschools were meant to keep children where they would play all day.
“However, today preschools have become a foundation phase building block which determine a child’s development from Grade R to 12,” she said.
The department of social development’s Nomthandazo Poni, who was the guest speaker at the occasion, congratulated the group on their achievement.
“We congratulate you, education is very important because it develops the economy of our country.
“It will also enable your confidence in what you do,” Poni said to the graduates.
She said early childhood development practitioners were trained to teach children who were all different, with some easier to teach while others required closer attention.
Though every child had different needs, Poni said all children had the right to a good education.
“Early childhood development practitioners must translate their training into effective practices that benefit the children they serve,” Poni said.
“Without quality ECD, children may be at a disadvantage when they begin their formal education.”