The Educare Programme
History
In the 1980s, as Philani started to expand, with mothers becoming involved in the Income Generation Programme, it was recognised that there was a need for a place where Philani’s pre-school children could play and learn in a safe environment. This was the beginning of what is now the Educare Programme. At each Nutrition Centre, a space was made available specifically for the children, and the mothers took it in turns to care for them. Over time mothers who were interested were sent for training in Early Childhood Education.
Mission
The Educare Programme is consistent with our mission of promoting good child health and development knowing that children who play, not only enjoy developmental benefits, but also recover faster from illness and malnutrition. Through structured play and learning, we help lay a foundation for their lifelong health and growth.
Our Educares have now become the primary focus of our Nutrition Centres – with each child receiving two nutritious meals daily and routine growth monitoring to support their overall well-being.
Expansion
In 2013, an Educare Programme was initiated in the OR Tambo District in the Eastern Cape. Initially small playgroups were started on the hills and in the valleys around Coffee Bay and Zithulele. In 2017, five preschools were built in isolated rural areas which had previously had no resources for children. This programme has now expanded to include 11 pre-schools, serving close to 200 children.
Philani now has 17 Educare classes across our centres serving more than 800 children between the ages of three and six. All of our teachers have formal training with qualifications varying from a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 4 to degrees in primary education.