NGOs support ECD Learning and development

Play boxes were sent to ECDs in the Eastern Cape region as part of a partnership to enhance play-based learning.

1,800 Duplo Play Boxes were delivered to 682 Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres across South Africa by the Do More Foundation, which was founded by RCL Foods, Care for Education, and other business and non-profit partners, as part of a joint initiative to improve educational opportunities.

33,492 young children will benefit from play-based learning thanks to these materials, said the foundation.

According to Lungile Thabethe, project manager for Duplo at the Do More Foundation, this project attempts to deliver a rainbow of hope to the young children of South Africa by unlocking a playful way of meaningful learning.

Thabethe said a child’s early years, from birth to age five, are crucial for helping them acquire the ideas, abilities, and attitudes that serve as the cornerstone of lifetime learning.

“A crucial part of this is play, which helps kids develop their fundamental physical, cognitive, socio-emotional, and creative abilities.” Thabethe said.

Under the supervision of a qualified Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioner or during unstructured play, Duplo Play Boxes are an excellent resource for facilitating play-based learning.

The 682 Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres that were chosen to receive the Duplo Play Boxes are already a part of initiatives managed by the Do More Foundation to assist unregistered institutions that are not qualified for Department of Education subsidies.

One to three play boxes containing a range of bricks and element figures, animals, vehicles, and base plates will be assigned to each ECD centre.

Children as young as two years old can interact with the Play Boxes as they grow and develop because of the variety of piece types and sizes available.

Editor’s note: Play boxes were sent to ECDs in the Eastern Cape region as part of a partnership to enhance play-based learning. This project, by Duplo at the Do More Foundation, attempts to deliver a rainbow of hope to the young children of South Africa by unlocking a playful way of meaningful learning.

Description: One to three play boxes containing a range of bricks and elements figures, animals, vehicles, and base plates will be assigned to each ECD centre. Children as young as two years old can interact with the Play Boxes as they grow and develop because of the variety of piece types and sizes available.

Editor: Thato Mahlangu

Project manager: Do4SA