Every Word Counts Workshops Empower Parents in Eldorado Park and Freedom Park

27/05/2025

In April 2025, five Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in Eldorado Park and Freedom Park, Gauteng, trained with Wordworks to become facilitators of the Every Word Counts (EWC) programme. The initiative equips parents and caregivers with practical strategies to support early language and literacy at home.

On Saturday, 24 May, these newly trained facilitators hosted their first EWC sessions for parents and caregivers. Participants explored how everyday moments – mealtimes, bath time, or bedtime – can become opportunities to strengthen children’s language, communication, and early learning. Workshops offered simple, practical ideas that caregivers could immediately apply at home.

Wordworks Early Literacy Specialist Natasha Rosen, who supported the facilitators, said:
“As a mentor, I knew the facilitators were nervous, but they engaged brilliantly with parents and led the workshops exceptionally well.”

The five ECD centres will continue hosting monthly sessions, creating safe spaces where caregivers gain knowledge, confidence, and hands-on strategies to nurture young minds. Strengthening the connection between home and early learning ensures children build strong foundations in language and literacy from the start.

The Every Word Counts programme is designed for use in homes, community spaces, and ECD centres, offering age-appropriate guidance for children from pregnancy to age 5. It provides practical activities that support early language, literacy, and school readiness.

Thanks to the Sanlam Foundation, the committed facilitators, and the parents and caregivers who participated with curiosity and enthusiasm. Together, we are #ChangingLivesThroughLiteracyTogether, one word, one story, and one child at a time.