GEORGE NEWS - Ten early childhood development (ECD) centres in George will have an opportunity to be part of an ECD leadership and training programme over two years, presented by the NGO, ORT SA Cape.

The programme will be free and will provide training, mentorship and resources to 10 principals and 10 practitioners in Thembalethu, Pacaltsdorp, Conville, Rosemoor, New Dawn Park and Blanco. Interested centres are invited to apply by 19 January.

The programme will run from 2026 to 2027. ORT (Organisation for Rehabilitation through Training) SA CAPE held an information session at Jonga High School in Thembalethu on Thursday 4 December, for interested principals of local ECD centres. 

A bootcamp and leadership programme will be presented for principals, who will also have access to the Principals' Network, which offers one-on-one mentorship and compliance guidance.

Teachers from the participating centres will receive a series of professional development courses and benefit from classroom observations with feedback. 

Every centre will also receive a health and safety pack, governance and compliance advice and policies, educational equipment, unplugged coding classroom kits, and access to a national advice helpline. 

Participants will be introduced to the Dory Code, ORT SA Cape's flagship educational technology programme, which introduces young learners to coding and robotics.

Bev Da Costa, co-CEO of ORT SA Cape, said the first five years of life lay the foundation for a successful life ahead, but too many young learners in South Africa are starting their journey on the back foot because of poverty and malnutrition. 

"We believe teachers are the driving force behind the success of young learners, and our mission is to turn the tide, one educator at a time."

ORT SA Cape, based in Cape Town for the past 31 years, forms part of the South African arm of World ORT, which was founded in 1880 and focuses on changing lives through education.

ORT SA Cape also offers the Jet Programme for empowering entrepreneurs, and a youth development programme.

ECD centres interested to apply for the programme may contact ORT SA CAPE at ecd@ortsacape.org.za.

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