When considering that the average global lifespan is 25 932 days (71 years), 1 000 days doesn’t seem like a significant amount. But if you consider that the foundations for a child’s intellectual and emotional development are laid during the first 1 000 days of his/her life, it would be apparent that this time period is significant.
Given that the first 1 000 days of a child’s life are such a key time for development, it then makes sense that the child’s external environment during this time enables and nurtures development. This includes receiving sufficient nutrition, proper health care, as well as emotional and cognitive experiences.
Aware of the fact that many parents and primary caregivers were unable to fully meet these needs due to resource restrictions and various other circumstances, Cotlands has developed early learning playgroups in areas where children typically have little or no access to early learning education programmes. The playgroups, which are free of charge, aim to help children under the age of six to cognitively develop in a safe and stimulating environment and help prepare them for school. In addition to this, each child attending the playgroup is provided with a nutritious meal.
One of the areas Cotlands chose to start such a playgroup in is Ducats North, close to East London in the Eastern Cape. Community members face challenging circumstances and in some cases, meeting even the most basic of needs is difficult. This creates an environment where little emphasis is placed on education for children prior to entering the government schooling system.
Cotlands told us more about Themba, one of the first children to be enrolled in the Ducats North early learning programme. “His enthusiasm was evident from the first class,” says his early learning facilitator Phakama. Themba is now 5 years old and in Grade R, and his school teacher has attested to his broad knowledge and ability to quickly grasp new concepts.
According to Cotlands’ Eastern Cape regional manager, Patricia Gunn, part of the reason for the province’s high unemployment levels is the lack of early childhood education opportunities. “For children like Themba who are being raised in environments that lack safe places to play, the Cotlands early learning playgroups give them a space to learn and explore without fear. This fearless exploration is an important part of a child’s development and forms the foundation for later learning. Themba’s academic future is bright, he has the right tools to help him learn in the classroom. Because of this I am hopeful that he will break the cycle of poverty his family is trapped in.”
To find out more about Cotlands’ project in Ducats North, click here.
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