Minister of Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini, will host the national Early Childhood Development (ECD) conference which will focus on the need to develop a child at an early age.
The conference will be held under the theme: “Tshwaragano Ka Bana” (Working Together for Children).
Through ECD centres, government aims to promote and protect the rights of young children between the ages of 0 – 6 years thus ensuring their growth, development and survival.
The Department of Social Development is working together with other government departments on the ECD programme, which seeks to develop and improve the quality of basic education in South Africa.
The purpose of the conference is to provide a platform for policy- makers, donors, development agencies, civil society organisations and government departments to share lessons and experiences in the field of ECD. This will assist in ensuring coordination and integration among all these stakeholders towards the implementation of the National Integrated Plan for ECD.
Government is committed to increase access to ECD centres for all eligible children while ensuring that no child is deprived of early learning opportunities.
During the conference, the Minister will meet with other social sector departments and members of the civil society to explore policy options and legislation for building ECD centres which are suitable for the development and improvement of children.
This conference will further promote the provision of quality ECD services for children from birth to school going age. Government is aware of the concerns raised by some role-players in the sector about the challenges facing ECD in the country. This conference will provide an opportunity for all participating stakeholders to contribute in conference discussions with the view to address the challenges facing the sector.
The conference will take place as follows:
Date: 27-30 March 2012
Time: 09h00
Venue: East London International Convention Centre (ICC)
Accreditation: Due to security considerations journalists/media organisations who will attend are requested to forward names, ID numbers/press cards to Jaconia Kobue jaconiak@dsd.gov.za /082 313 4673 and Justice Ditshego justiced@dsd.gov.za / 079 497 7426 by Friday 23 March 2012.
Accreditation will be conducted as follows:
Date: 24March 2012
Venue: East London International Convention Centre (ICC)
NB: Please bring ID/driver’s licence/press cards for identification at the Accreditation venue and Only accredited journalists will be allowed entry.
Enquiries:
Ms Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
