ECD PRACTITIONERS CELEBRATE GRADUATIONS

November 2024, Soutpan Solar Power.

Six Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioners from rural communities in Limpopo have successfully completed their NQF Level 4 qualifications, marking a significant milestone in Soutpan Solar Power’s ECD development programme. The practitioners, who represent villages including Witten, Indermark, Marobjane, Ga-Machaba, Rammutla B, and Marobjana, were honoured at a graduation ceremony held in Polokwane last month.

The event was attended by members of the Mankweng ECD Cluster Committee, representatives from ETDP-SETA, ECD forum members from the Polokwane area, and Soutpan Solar Power, as funders of the six practitioners. In addition to these graduates, several self-funded practitioners also completed their NQF Level 4 training, further highlighting the achievements of the broader ECD community.

Salphina Sigida, a 45-year-old practitioner at Thusanang Crèche in Indermark, has been teaching for 17 years. Reflecting on the programme, she noted: “The training was eye-opening, especially in understanding the curriculum, something I wasn’t fully aware of before. Teaching children to read, write, and watching them grow is my passion.”

The Department of Basic Education has emphasised the critical role of ECD in shaping the quality of education. A qualified practitioner not only meets compliance standards but also builds a strong foundation for learners’ future success. As Noluthando Mazibuko, Economic Development Specialist at Soutpan Solar Power, explained: “Practitioners with proper qualifications are equipped to implement the National Curriculum Framework, creating a learning environment that supports children’s academic, emotional, and physical development.”

Another graduate, Phuti Jerminah Tau, 45, who has been teaching at Serakalala Crèche and Pre-School for four years, shared that the training was both informative and empowering. “The course has made us fully aware of our rights and responsibilities as practitioners,” she said.

All six graduates have already moved on to pursue their NQF Level 5 qualifications. The exact graduation timeline for this next level remains uncertain, as they are currently awaiting their results from ETDP-SETA. Once results are released and certifications are issued, a graduation date will be scheduled.