New ECD facility to boost educational capacity in Delft

The R12 million construction project is anticipated to be completed in February 2017 and it is envisioned to accommodate approximately 160 children in Phase 1, which can be extended to 400 in Phase 2 should the need arise. The facility on the corner of Cork Tree and Sapele Road, Delft will also boast its own food garden which will supply the centre with a variety of fresh produce. The centre will have a toy library as well as an educational outdoor play area.

‘This sod-turning ceremony signals the beginning of a better future for the children of Delft, but also brings us one step closer to closing the gap in the early childhood development sector. There are not enough facilities for ECD centres. A 2009 study commissioned by the City proved as much. So we have been chipping away at the backlog year after year, trying to build or refurbish as many properties as possible to help alleviate the need,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Social Development and Early Childhood Development, Councillor Suzette Little.

Community upliftment through social development

Apart from constructing ECD centres of excellence, the Directorate is also working with the City’s Library and Information Services Department to establish ECD toy library resource sections within City libraries. The aim is to provide opportunities for the ECD sector (including parents and care-givers) to have access to toys and educational materials for children. This resource section will go a long way towards building a culture of life-long learning within communities.