City equips little learners in Khayelitsha with fun learning equipment

01 July 2026

The City's Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews attended the official handover of Early Childhood Development (ECD) equipment to various ECDs in Khayelitsha yesterday, 30 June 2026. These donations form part of the Khayelitsha ECD Capacitation Programme, which is one of the City of Cape Town Mayoral Urban Regeneration Programme projects.

The ECD representatives enjoyed productive discussions with the Deputy Mayor and key City officials, where they provided much needed feedback and critical information about their needs, opportunities they see and challenges faced within their communities.

The handover and engagement session took place at the City’s Khayelitsha Training Centre and resulted in a heartfelt morning where the donations were received with much joy and emotion. The ECDs received educational toys, storybooks, arts and craft materials, stationary, learning aids and classroom furniture.

‘The message that kept coming through yesterday was just how much these young children grow through playing and learning in a stimulating environment. May we never forget the tough circumstances some of these little learners face daily and the difference it makes to simply be able to have a chair and table to sit at while enjoying their activities. Having access to new toys alone, will expose them to a different and positive learning environment, which every child deserves. By improving the environment they are in, we are empowering these kids.

‘As planners and leaders in this city, we cannot afford to be far removed from the realities of our communities. After engaging with these key role players, the nurturers of Khayelitsha, I can say we are moving in the right direction, closer to the needs of our people. We are listening and trying our best to understand their plight on the ground,' said the City's Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews.

Apart from the provision of ECD equipment, the programme includes :

Registration of ECD practitioners
ECD training workshops covering child development, play-based learning, health, nutrition, child protection and various other capacity-building topics.
Key stakeholder engagement opportunities with community leaders, parents, caregivers and the City’s Social Development Department.

The Khayelitsha ECD Capacitation Programme aims to strengthen the capacity of registered and qualifying ECD centres by equipping practitioners with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to deliver quality early learning services.

The project therefore also focuses on:

Building the knowledge and skills of ECD practitioners through structured training and mentorship
Strengthening compliance with national ECD standards and regulations
Promoting school readiness among children aged 0–5 years
Strengthening partnerships between government, ECD centres and community stakeholders.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office