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"Where does pre-grade R belong?"
Nelson Mandela Foundation focus on Early Childhood Development

South African First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe addressed the audience at this Early Childhood Development Dialogue with government and civil society role-players held at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg.

A presentation on policy change

A presentation on policy change

HSF; HSF

Working towards better life opportunities for all children

Dr Motsepe spoke about the paramount importance of a quality Early Childhood Development (ECD) package for all children in South Africa. A recent announcement determined that Early Childhood Development should become a function of the Department of Basic Education, rather than the Department of Social Development in South Africa. Moreover, it will become compulsory that all  children can experience two years of ECD before they enter grade one.

Dr Tshepo Motsepe, South African First Lady

First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe

HSF; HSF

Strategic approach and a special presidential fund

The Nelson Mandela Foundation has recently identified Early Childhood Development as a key focus area for its work in the country. Multi-disciplinary research and long term strategy engagements had pointed towards the need for South Africa to prioritise ECD. This work had been carried out as part of the Nelson Mandela Initiative as well. The Foundation is now also managing a fund created by president Cyril Ramaphosa who is donating half of his salary to support Early Childhood Development work.

Bringing all stakeholders together to achieve systemic changes

The Foundation has been facilitating strategic capacity building activities for practitioner networks over the past few months, covering aspects of organisational development, registration options, funding and compliance.

It is also using its unique "convening power" to bring different stakeholders together, from senior officials in government departments to seasoned experts, the business sector and grassroots organisations, to achieve the strategic shifts the country needs.

Read a new article by Sumaya Hendricks about this ongoing approach, and about the most recent meeting in the cross-sector collaboration, in which the First Lady participated again as well:

https://www.nelsonmandela.org/news/entry/early-childhood-development-needs-grassroots-voices

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