Exciting things are happening in Ngonyameni on the outskirt of uMlazi , outside of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal.
When you drive towards the Makakhule Day Care Centre you will see a lot of activity. Here, new classrooms, toilets and water tanks are being erected – all via donations made to the Linda Zama Trust Foundation.
LZT Founder Linda Zama explains, “Last year I visited this centre outside Umlazi and I found 58 children in one room. I could see how hard working and committed these ECD practitioners were in the really difficult circumstances. Although it has taken the whole year to bring a semblance of improvement, the mobile classrooms have been delivered and are being erected.”
Future Leaders
Sindisiwe Mwelase is the founder and manager of the school. She is an amazing young woman. She bought land to establish this sorely needed school for children in the area. And is working hard to help shape the lives of our future leaders.
Donations like new classrooms, toilets and water tanks can make a significant difference in the educational experience of children, especially in places like this where resources are very limited.
Key Impacts of ECD
Some key impacts of early childhood development:
- Brain Development: The early years are a critical period for brain development. Proper stimulation and nurturing care during this time can have a significant impact on cognitive, emotional, and social development. Positive experiences, such as responsive caregiving, interactive play, and exposure to language, help build strong neural connections.
- Long-term Learning: High-quality early childhood programs can enhance school readiness and academic achievement. Children who participate in quality ECD programs are more likely to perform well in school, have higher graduation rates, and pursue further education.
- Social and Emotional Skills: Early childhood is a crucial period for the development of social and emotional skills. Positive interactions with caregivers and peers, as well as exposure to a supportive and nurturing environment, help children develop empathy, self-regulation, and interpersonal skills.
- Health Outcomes: Early childhood experiences can have long-lasting effects on physical health. Access to proper nutrition, healthcare, and a safe environment during the early years can contribute to better overall health outcomes throughout life.
- Economic Impact: Investments in early childhood development have shown to have significant economic returns. High-quality ECD programs not only benefit individual children and families but also contribute to economic growth by creating a skilled workforce and reducing societal costs associated with issues like crime, unemployment, and healthcare.
- Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: Early childhood interventions have the potential to break the cycle of poverty by providing disadvantaged children with the support they need to thrive. By addressing inequalities early in life, ECD programs can help level the playing field and promote social mobility.
- Overall, early childhood development lays the foundation for a child’s future success and well-being. Providing a conducive learning environment is crucial for nurturing young minds and helping them reach their full potential.
This is just the beginning”, says Linda. “We are going to get the property landscaped and find an artist to do murals to create a happy safe learning environment for the children of the area.”
See More Photos
