03 Apr Engineers build capacity among Lowveld women
Six women and approximately 400 young children will benefit from a partnership between Penreach and the local branch of an engineering firm, Endecon Ubuntu (Pty) Ltd. Endecon is funding the skills development of six early childhood development (ECD) practitioners that will lead to an accredited qualification and enhance their ability to run pre-schools as successful enterprises in their communities.
Endecon Ubuntu is a Civil & Structural Engineering Consulting firm with an international footprint and has, according to Penreach CEO Mr Andile Ncontsa, shown great foresight in taking this step. He explains, “Numerous international studies have indicated that the return on investment for ECD is almost double that of investing once children reach high school.”
As a part of Endecon Ubuntu’s Skills Development Levy spend, the organisation is sponsoring worthy candidates from Mattafin, Msholozi, Pienaar, Kabokweni and Elandshoek, with the opportunity to complete their NQF Level 4 ECD qualification. The programme is a fantastic opportunity learn the necessary skills to plan and prepare ECD activities, facilitate learning, assess the progress of children and sharpen young minds. It also encourages the practitioners to reach their full potential. The programme duration is two years.
Christelle Pienaar of Endecon Ubuntu shares, “Children are our future and therefore the development of young children is of utmost importance. It has a direct effect on their overall development and on the adult, they will become. A good foundation gives the next generation a better start.”
Endecon Ubuntu (Pty) Ltd believes that this programme will enable the students to make a difference in the lives of the children they teach.
Fezokuhle Litehane manager of Amadlel`o Aluhlaza Day Care is elated to be included in the course.
“I am grateful to Endecon for giving me a chance to pursue my dream. This qualification will change my life and also that of my colleagues” – Fezokuhle Litehane, ECD Centre Manager
Fezokuhle has been attending the Penreach Teacher Development Workshops since 2012. She completed her training in Basic ECD and Computer skills and believes she is ready for more advanced skills training. Her motivation to complete the NQF qualification is to help improve the standard of teaching in the classes at her school. Fezokuhle shares her excitement, along with the other students as they could not afford to complete the qualification without the assistance from Endecon.
“We encourage other local businesses to follow this example and invest in the lives of our young children – those that can’t hashtag to make their voices heard,” says Ncontsa. Opportunities exist for companies to receive points on the BEE scorecard through investing in early childhood skills training or enterprises run by black women.
Contact Penreach via penreach@penryn.co.za for more information.
Photo caption: 2017/2018 NQF level 4 qualification students and their facilitators from Penreach.
