Africa A+ Workshop in Malungeni

Africa A+ with Izinto, organizations specializing in Early Childhood Development, conducted an ECD workshop in Malungeni, Eastern Cape at the invitation of the Malungeni Education Committee.  99 participants from 81 ECD centres attended the 4 days workshop, the first of its kind in a rural village within the Nyandeni District Municipality.  

This was a great initiative for communities in the too often neglected rural and poverty stricken areas of South Africa.  It was highly appreciated by participants who requested the Malungeni Education Committee to journey with them in supporting this program.

The aim of the four day program was to :

• Introduce the ECD community to the concept and value of found materials (materials that are already in the environment including plastic recyclables, discarded items, overstock and items in nature such as pinecones, rocks, shells, etc.)

• Put the participants in touch with their own creativity (imagination, problem-solving, innovation). The rational underpinning this aim is that if ECD teachers enjoy their own creativity, they are likely to encourage and provide opportunities for children to be creative.

• Understanding that learning can be enjoyable and playful.

This workshop was a huge success thanks to Spiwo Xapile and Olga Xapile, AIAIA board members, as well as the Malungeni community who hosted Africa A+.

Plans are being made for a three year commitment to this program which also includes facilitator training. When ECD teachers are fully trained, their preschools are eligible for grants from the SA government.

AIAIA and private individuals provided the funding for this workshop.