The Department of Basic Education (DBE) and UNICEF wish to raise concerns about recent advertisements being carried on social media regarding training in early childhood development (ECD). Certain organisations and individuals are offering ECD training purportedly supported, endorsed and or funded by UNICEF and/or the Department of Basic Education with whom they claim to be in partnership.
This week has seen WhatsApp adverts for ECD training circulated by individual organisations and individuals who are based in both Gauteng and Mpumalanga. These are entities with which both DBE and UNICEF have no partnership arrangement or agreement at all.
Of particular concern is that these organisations and individuals are exploiting the free P.L.A.Y. online in-service training for ECD practitioners and Grades R to 3 educators (www.playsa.org) by charging individuals money for registration for a workshop, the printing of manuals and certificates and other activities.
Please be informed that neither UNICEF nor the DBE:
1. Are aware of these organisations or the training mentioned.
2. Have a partnership with these organisations.
3. Have endorsed any training as indicated in the adverts that are being circulated.
4. Have given permission for the use of our respective names and logos.
UNICEF and the DBE have referred these matters to the relevant authorities for investigation.
The DBE and UNICEF would wish to inform the public, and the education fraternity in particular, that there is only one in-service training programme and this is being implemented in partnership with the LEGO Foundation and the organisation Cotlands. Furthermore, this programme is 100% free and does not require any payment.
The DBE and UNICEF urge all persons that are interested in training in early childhood development to first verify the legitimacy of the provider in order to ensure that the training is valid and accredited with the relevant authorities. Any enquiries regarding this training can be directed to the Help Desk at 011 683 7201 or elearning@cotlands.org.
Media Enquiries:
Elijah Mhlanga
Cell: 083 580 8275 (Department of Basic Education)
Sandra Bisin
Cell: - 27 61 418 7486 (UNICEF)
