SCHOOL NEWS - A two-year training programme for the principals and teachers of 10 selected early childhood development (ECD) centres in disadvantaged communities in George is well under way.
It is being presented by the Organisation for Rehabilitation through Training (ORT) SA Cape, a Cape Town-based non-profit organisation, to improve education outcomes for children who are at a disadvantage because of poverty and malnutrition. The cost of the programme is sponsored.
The principals had a training session on financial management on Wednesday 15 April, and on Thursday, the teachers participated in a workshop on the importance of the sensory systems and their impact on children's development and ability for academic learning.
Part of the session focused on how adverse childhood experiences or trauma affect children's conduct and how teachers can identify and handle situations in which children exhibit problematic behaviour.
"We want to equip the teachers so they understand the foundations of early childhood development and can ensure that their classrooms are fun spaces for themselves and especially their learners," said Theresa Soci, education specialist of ORT SA Cape and the course facilitator.
During the first session of the course, held in February, the participants received training on how to implement the required health and safety measures at their learning centres.
Their next training session will take place in June.
The selected centres are from Thembalethu, Pacaltsdorp, Conville, Rosemoor, New Dawn Park and Blanco.
They will receive 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 that introduces young learners to coding and robotics.
Theresa Soci of ORT SA Cape and Kgomotso Aphane, socio-economic development specialist of the Airports Company SA, a sponsor of ORT. Photos: Alida de Beer
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