For 30 years, the Centre for Early Childhood Development has nurtured the potential of children, building a strong foundation for their futures.
Cape Town, South Africa (18 August 2024) – For three decades, the Centre for Early Childhood Development (CECD) has been a beacon of hope for countless young South Africans.
Earlier this month the Centre for Early Childhood Development (CECD) proudly celebrated 30 years of dedicated service, promoting early childhood development and improving the lives of young children and their families and teachers across South Africa.
The celebratory event kicked off with a vibrant performance by Heideveld Secondary School students, in partnership with the Steelband Project Western Cape. Guests were greeted by the uplifting rhythms of the steel drums.
An interactive exhibit showcased CECD’s journey, highlighting their vision of a South Africa where every child has access to quality early childhood development (ECD) services. This vision is rooted in the belief that by prioritising young children, we can create a more equitable society.
With a steadfast commitment to ECD’s transformative power, CECD has made a significant impact. Over the past three decades, they have directly reached an average of 7,400 children annually, with an additional 19,000 benefiting indirectly.
Through education, support, and advocacy, CECD has created a lasting impact, not just on individual lives but on the entire nation. Their journey is a testament to the power of human compassion and the belief in every child’s right to a bright future.
The organisation has also been dedicated to addressing this problem by supporting some of the most vulnerable communities through work with ECD centres, families, non-profits and young leaders, as well as research, advocacy and social justice work with the ECD sector.
The centre’s flagship project, the Cape Town Museum of Childhood, the only one of its kind in Africa, celebrates all things childhood. Through these projects, CECD supports and reaches over 1,100 teachers and principals, and 172 caregivers each year.
The organisation provides upgrades to the physical infrastructure of ECD centres in vulnerable communities and also provides developmentally appropriate books, toys and other learning materials to early learning programmes across the country so that children can have the best start in life.
CECD’s Director, Professor Eric Atmore, highlighted the organisation’s significant impact over the past 30 years. From receiving prestigious awards to expanding its reach across South Africa and internationally, CECD has established itself as a leading force in early childhood development.
As they mark their 30th anniversary, the centre encourages everyone to join them in putting young children first, ensuring South Africa’s youngest children receive the care and education they deserve.
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