ChildSafe South Africa is proud to share the inspiring story of Christine, one of the principals of an Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre in Delft. Christine’s journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the ability to persist despite the challenges.
Christine’s life was filled with challenges from a young age. She had to leave school early to take care of her siblings while her mother sought work. At 17, she married and soon after started working in a clothing factory. Despite her inability to read or write, Christine learned to operate machinery and began her journey of self-improvement.
For over a decade, Christine has been an ECD principal, dedicating herself to the education and safety of young children. However, her path was far from easy. Christine faced numerous rejections from educational institutions due to her inability to read or write. Undeterred, she continued to seek opportunities to further her education.
In 2018, Christine’s determination paid off when she found support at Klein Karoo College. The college recognized her potential and provided her with the necessary accommodations to succeed. Christine was able to complete her tests and examinations orally, allowing her to qualify and obtain her certification. “God sent people on my path to help me with my academic submissions required to qualify as well as the statutory compliance requirements in running Ithemba ECD,” she says.
A small impact study conducted by Learn2Live in 2022 highlights the importance of qualifications and curriculum implementation in ECD centres. According to the study, a significant number of ECD principals benefit from a combination of college and site learning programs. Additionally, the study reveals that many principals need support to train their staff effectively and that resources and more training are crucial for ensuring a good curriculum. Christine’s journey aligns with these findings, showcasing the positive outcomes of structured ECD learning programs and the dedication of practitioners like her.
ChildSafe South Africa offers a comprehensive 2-day training program for ECD practitioners, focusing on child safety and first aid. This training is designed to equip practitioners with the knowledge and skills necessary to create safe learning environments for children. The program covers various topics, including injury prevention, emergency response, and the implementation of safety protocols. By participating in this training, ECD practitioners like Christine can enhance their ability to protect and educate young children, ensuring their well-being and development.
Today, Christine is a principal and a passionate advocate for child safety. She uses her experiences to teach children about safety and ensure they have the knowledge and skills to protect themselves.
Christine’s story is a powerful reminder of perseverance’s impact and community support’s importance. Her journey from adversity to success is an inspiration to us all.
Stay tuned for more stories and updates from ChildSafe South Africa as we continue to work towards creating safer environments for children across the country. We hope you find Christine’s story as inspiring as we do. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of children and their communities.