Sustaining ECD takes strength and perseverance
September 2024
Impande does not create new ECD centres, or drive ECD outcomes from the outside. Rather Impande works with existing community-based organisations. These organisations are more sustainable than anything an outside NGO may attempt to initiate.
With this community centred approach, the starting point is often women champions already caring for malnourished and under-stimulated children from makeshift structures. But this starting point is not listed on any website or directory, it is only through community networking and data collection that Impande are able to locate and engage with these proto-ECD sites. Such a champion is Zane Silangwe, an ECD practitioner from Mlambondaba ECD in Eastern Cape, WMM Municipality.
Mlambondaba's Story
Mlambondaba creche is what named my centre. Taking after the village’s famous river which was feared for generations and generations by locals for sweeping away animals and people that tried to cross it. That’s how strong it was. My resiliency in the journey of starting this ECD centre is a true reflection of the power of that river. No one told me to start this creche. I was alone when I thought about what would improve my life and the life of the people in my village.
I looked around me, there was not much. Some community members saw and embraced my vision and supported donating their zinc, planks, and even labour to build this shack. I went door to door begging parents to let their children join my creche. Many refused because “ke kona” we had nothing to feed them. Time went by, and more children enrolled. One day I attended a meeting at the Roman Catholic Church where we met Impande. I can recall how excited I was to receive packs of porridge for the very first time. I returned to the centre feeling empowered “njengomntu ebantwini” a person among people. Next, we received soap, and next, we started attending Learning Groups, where we continue to learn about running a good ECD programme.
Soon after that, I received a phone call telling me that Impande was coming to put in two toilets. Yhoo! I was very happy because my children at the centre used buckets as toilets. And I used to fetch water far away up that hill. Pha! Now life has improved because they also put in a water tank with those toilets. Recently, in 2022 I was lucky to be a beneficiary of the Social Employment Fund which has helped me to stand tall and call myself an ECD practitioner because I have an income now. Uyayiva! Just last month our second practitioner also became a beneficiary. It might not seem like much but believe me when I say it goes a long way. Being able to buy bread for my family is all that I ever prayed for and more.
Thank you to our partners who believe in our approach of reaching marginalised communities and ensuring we build on what already exist to support sustainable grassroots ECD. |
