Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centres, Langa

Langa has an estimated 4000 children of pre-school-going age, of which existing ECD centres in the area only provide for around half. Many of these existing community-based facilities are at best informal, and unregistered, ranging from single shacks or converted containers with open yards, to an adapted RDP houses. Due to their informal nature, most are non-compliant with the municipal by-law and the South African National Building Standards and therefore unable to obtain accreditation from the Departments of Education or Social Development. Most of these facilities charge minimal fees, which are not paid regularly, and do not have any other source of income. Without accreditation, they are unable to access funding from the government, private sector or NGOs.

In collaboration with Rotary Club of Newlands, Breadline Africa, and the Langa Community ECD Forum, Platform has completed a full survey and documentation of 15 of these existing ECD centres that currently serve around 800 children. This will assist in assessing where compliance issues can be resolved, and possible upgrades required. The aim is to facilitate the compliance, accreditation and ultimately access to funding to improve their provision of services, quality of care and access for more children.