FNB Fund supports ECD training

Supported by the FNB Fund, the Khululeka Community Education Centre in the Eastern Cape has developed the Early Childhood Development (ECD) further education and training certificate (FETC - Level 4) and National Diploma in ECD (Level 5).

The programme provides opportunities for marginalised, unemployed women from predominantly rural areas to upgrade their professional status as Early Childhood Practitioners, with the aim of ultimately enabling them to find employment.

"We support organisations that develop and help mentor women and children. The Khululeka Community Centre is just one organisation that is making a difference in the lives of women and children," says Howard Arrand, chairperson of the FNB Fund

Acquiring essential skills

Busi Xaso, ECD manager at Khululeka explains, "The FETC in ECD is a very demanding learning programme. The participants are expected to attend 20 weeks of intensive residential training over a period of two years. Practitioners who commit themselves to the programme acquire essential skills, knowledge and attitudes that enable them to transform their ECD sites into active learning environments."

"The upliftment of women in society is fundamental to the group. We believe and encourage continuous learning with both women and the youth. Education and learning opens many doors and lays the foundations for a brighter future," concludes Arrand.