This was the latest action from VWSA to support early childhood development initiatives that empower children under the age of 6 years. The Vivos, which will be provided for a period of three years, will be used to expand their reach in rural areas where educational resources are often scarce.

These organisations, which endeavour to provide quality early childhood development (ECD) through training and developing ECD practitioners, have been supported by VWSA since 2008. Their work has included building skills at ECD centres, providing learning and play resources, training and outreach to parents and caregivers. CECD and Ntataise currently operate within a network spanning all nine provinces in South Africa, in townships, rural and peri-urban areas.

Through the support given by VWSA, the organisations have reached 2 513 ECD centres, over 300 000 children, 2 006 parents and caregivers, and 2 937 community and home-based ECDs and playgroups. Additionally, a total of 105 ECD practitioners have graduated with NQF Level 4 qualifications with the support of CECD and Ntataise to date.

Education is a key priority for VWSA, which has been involved in a range of initiatives from early childhood development to tertiary level throughout South Africa. In addition to supporting various NGOs, the company opened the Ikhwezi Lomso Early Childhood Development Centre in Kariega in 2011 and currently runs 10 literacy programmes in KwaNobuhle schools as well.

“VWSA has a strong interest in developing the potential of our children through programmes such as the initiatives implemented by CECD and Ntataise,” said Nonkqubela Maliza, VWSA’s Director for Corporate and Government Affairs. “We are proud to say our support of these organisations, and others like it, has brought opportunities for children to realise their potential and one day build a better future for themselves and their communities.”