Fostering quality ECD in South Africa through the SARAECE Conference

October 2023

At the heart of Wordworks’ participation in the conference was the sharing of our programmatic work. Wordworks’ Every Word Counts and TIME programs garnered interest from organisations focused on parent development.

Partnerships were forged, knowledge was shared, inspiration was kindled, and actions are being put into place.
In the quest to ensure quality early childhood development (ECD) in South Africa, collaboration and knowledge sharing are of utmost importance. The recently held “Quality Early Childhood Development in South Africa” conference, held in partnership with the South African Research Association for Early Childhood Education (SARAECE) and the College of Cape Town – Inspiring Minds, embodied this spirit of cooperation. With the theme “Connect, share, inspire, act”, this conference served as a space for ECD stakeholders to share and engage in ideas that will result in action.

At the heart of Wordworks’ participation in the conference was the sharing of our programmatic work. Wordworks’ Every Word Counts and TIME (Together in my Education) programmes have garnered the interest of organisations focused on parent development at the conference. The inclusion of board books in these programmes has been particularly well-received. These books serve as affordable resources that parents can use at home to enhance their child’s early literacy skills. The enthusiasm for such practical tools reflects the commitment of organisations and practitioners to empower parents in supporting their children’s development.

Our team says that meeting new people and NGO partners and sharing what we do is always a highlight; but the research presentations at the conference enables us to take what we have learned to further support the ECD sector, especially the ECD practitioners.