Eyethu Early 
Childhood Development (ECD) centre in Bathandwa Ndondo Square in Cala, Eastern Cape is among 28 ECD centres that received learning and teaching support materials valued at R1.6 million from the National Development Agency (NDA) and Eskom.
The handover forms part of an early childhood development partnership between the NDA and Eskom that supports civil society organisations to grow and become more sustainable.
The ECD centres received materials that will support the physical, mental and emotional development of children before they advance to formal schooling. The initiative benefits 1 034 children in Cala and surrounding villages.
The support materials cover developmental and learning areas, including gross and fine motor development, fantasy play, reading, tabletop activities and ring activities.
Speaking to Vuk’uzenzele, the Principal of Eyethu ECD centre, Nomsa Miso, said the learning and teaching support materials will go a long way in improving the development of children.
“We received everything that is needed by an ECD centre, including toys, bookshelves, sets of children’s books, carpets, mattresses, blankets, first aid kits, stationery, educational charts, tables and chairs. These will help our children to learn practically while playing with toys that improve their development so that they can be ready for formal education,” she said.
The ECD centre provides teaching and learning to 26 children and has three educators including the principal.
During the handover ceremony, NDA Provincial Manager in the Eastern Cape Nokulunga Skeyi said: “Through our partnership with Eskom, and in collaboration with the Sakhisizwe NPO Forum, we are investing in the capacity of Early Childhood Development centres to provide children with an improved foundation for learning and development.”
Cala Senior Supervisor at Eskom Cape Coastal Cluster, Sive Rabaza, said the power utility’s collaboration with the NDA reflects its commitment to supporting initiatives that make a meaningful difference in communities.
“Providing learning and teaching support materials to these 28 ECD centres is an investment in early learning and in the organisations that serve children and families at community level,” said Rabaza.
He added: “This handover is not just about handing over materials. It is an investment in children and in laying a foundation for lifelong learning in stimulating environments. This partnership is allowing us to achieve that.”
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