A partnership between the public and private sector is fundamental for government to achieve its goal of giving all South African children access to quality Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes by 2030.
This is according to Samantha Massey, project manager of the Santa Shoebox (SSB) Legacy fund.
The organisation uses donations from corporates and private individuals to uplift the lives of children and their families by transforming ECD centres in rural and underprivileged communities throughout South Africa.
The clarion call to strengthen public-private partnerships followed the takeover of ECD functions by the Department of Basic Education.
ECD centres were previously managed by the Department of Social Development.
The takeover is line with government’s commitment to ensure children access to ECD programmes by 2030.
According to findings by the organisation, an estimated 1,24 million children aged three to five are not attending an ECD learning programme.
Of them, more than 75% are underprivileged.
“Those who are most in need are being neglected.
“While government is working to rectify this, exciting opportunities are available for the private sector to bolster these efforts,” said Massey.
“The first five years of a child’s life are crucial for developing the social, cognitive, emotional and language skills upon which future learning, economic productivity and responsible citizenship are built. Missing out is a massive problem.”
According to Massey, the SSB Legacy is set to build more ECD centres over the next three years.
The fund is also involved with library and water projects that will have a positive impact on children at the new facilities and in surrounding areas.
