Mamelodi's early learning centres transformed

Mamelodi's early learning centres transformed

In Mamelodi township in Tshwane a project to develop early childhood development centres is making a critical investment into improving spaces and services for young children. It’s called Ranyaka Community Transformation and together with Nedbank’s Proud of My Town initiative is showing that investing in children is truly investing the future.

What was the problem?

Many early childhood development (ECD) centres are under-resourced and struggle along without proper infrastructure, investment or access to learning materials and teachers’ support. 

At the same time many parents in the township of Mamelodi aren’t able to afford school fees that could help schools cover costs, or to progress to become better resourced and to have staff undergo training. This situation leaves schools battling along, but falling short of offering quality ECD services to children.  

How did they fix it?

Ranyaka is a non-profit urban planning consultancy that formed in 2013 with an idea to develop strategies for towns and neighbourhoods to be transformed for the good. 

They partnered with Nedbank’s Proud of My Town initiative to support early childhood development centres in Mamelodi to be a network of thriving centres that could also be successful small businesses. 

A focus on fixing the spaces saw them paint and clean and also improving greenery, signage and lighting. The group worked with local artists and artisans to complete projects. Part of fixing was also to train staff in first aid, fire prevention, financial education and even digital design.

The ECD development project has prioritised addressing nutrition, understanding that according to StatsSA at least 63% of South African households don’t get enough food. This puts millions of children at risk in the most crucial years of their lives. The project has turned to the development of food gardens and through Ranyaka’s network ECD centres have also been connected with  local small-scale farmers for additional support.

The work is paying off. Linah Mpaki, principal of Bokamoso Day Care in the township said to Ranyaka __after the work was completed at her ECD centre: “I cried because I could not believe my small ECD shack could ever look nice. It’s bright, it’s clean, and the kids love coming here now.”

What makes it work?

• Non-profit stepping up for local needs: Non-profit organisations can use their expertise, networks and resources to make interventions in communities that make a difference. 

• “Deep” fixing: Going beyond clean-ups and repainting, Ranyaka’s approach was to fix by developing skills for teachers and also recognising their need to be good business managers of their ECD centres. They addressed nutrition for children and used their networks of local artists, artisans and farmers for their projects. 

• Having a sustainable plan: The non-profit works with funders, in this case Nedbank. They plan to expand their project and the focus will be on empowering ECD staff and helping  support the development of curricula for the children.

• Growing their network: Ranyaka understands the need to be constant learners themselves, they say, also to find partners for future projects. “Whether you’re able to offer expertise in curriculum development, resources for ECD centres, or help us spread the word, your contribution will make a difference” – they say on their website.

Acknowlegdements

Author: FixLocal Reporter

Additional articles/ sources: Ranyaka website

Photograph: Ranyaka