Many children in the City of Cape Town are disadvantaged. For these children life is characterised by hunger and malnutrition, insecurity and trauma, instability, family breakdown and dislocation of communities, a lack of education opportunities; and the absence of adequate housing, electricity, running water and sanitation. These conditions make optimal brain development impossible, with devastating effects on the individual’s ability to develop and contribute to the wider society.

The need for significant investment in quality Early Childhood Development services is imperative so that Early Childhood Development services can reverse the trajectory of the lives of disadvantaged children, from a path leading towards social exclusion, poor earning potential and crime to one headed towards the ability to contribute productively and meaningfully to wider society.

Recognition by City of Cape Town of the importance of these early years is vital to Early Childhood Development.