Women in the rural and township economies are more vulnerable to poverty and unemployment, according to Julika Falconer, CEO of Durban-based Zero2Five Trust. The Trust focusses on ECD (Early Childhood Development). Working within these communities, she says poverty is a daily reality and impacts on the fact that many children do not receive the education needed to lift them out of the growing pool of unemployed young people.
High unemployment rate
According to Statssa, during the first quarter of 2024, the employment rate among young people (aged 15-34 years) was 45,5%. The unemployment rate among young females was estimated at 49,4% in 2024. This is a notable increase of 3,3 % from 46,1% in 2004. The statisticians identified limited educational attainment, as well as social and economic disadvantages, as the primary factors driving elevated rates of unemployment.
A recently published report by the Commission of Gender Equality entitled Women in the South African Economy 2024, noted that because a higher proportion of women in South Africa reside in the rural areas, joblessness is higher. The added salvo that childcare is not regarded as an economic activity often because the carers are unpaid and under educated.
Women’s Month
During Women’s Month (August) and in the run up to its 10th anniversary in October, the Zero2Five Trust is addressing this double whammy. They are improving the standard of ECD which lays an important educational foundation and upskilling the women who are caring for little ones in these communities.
Falconer says that, in its quest to make UNICEF’s statement that the early childhood phase from birth to nine years is most important for every human being. It involves giving children the best start in life through good health, proper nutrition and early learning a daily reality for KZN communities. Zero2Five had reached a number of important milestones.
Celebrating a decade helping rural communities
In lieu of a party, Zero2Five and its supported and funders decided to celebrate its milestone anniversary in October. They have launched its Amplify Rural ECD campaign, offering 100 bursaries to rural ECD practitioners and providing educational resources to many under-resourced ECD centres.
“In May and June 2024, we managed to onboard 66 ECD practitioners from rural areas near Bergville (uThukela) and Eshowe (King Cethswayo) to do the Legacy Level 4 ECD Training programme before the final cutoff date of 30 June for the bursary campaign,” she explains.
150 ECD Practioners trained in KZN
Zero2Five has also trained 150 ECD practitioners from rural KZN for the Wordworks “Little Stars” programme and its Readers are Leaders campaign. These group workshops took place in Estcourt and Eshowe with support from Wordworks and Truworths. A further 85 ECD practitioners were enrolled on the LEGO Duplo Play Box programme which enhances playful learning through colours and numeracy and enhances fine motor skills and more.
Feedback from beneficiaries is testament to what can be achieved through taking small steps towards addressing a monumental problem, she notes.
According to Siphelele Msimango from Yamkela Crèche at Ntumen, uMlalazi: “Zero2five has changed our lives entirely. We are now entering doors that we never thought we would when it comes to nutrition, hygiene, security, academics and self-wellness. I can work with all kinds of children and parents now. They have taught me how to work with parents that are not cooperating deal with rejection positively. Learning groups assisted me in upgrading my skills by working in teams and sharing ideas with others.”
She describes the Level 4 training as a huge career shift: “I adapted to new ways of working with my little angels and finding good teachers for them. Now we meet the requirements of the Department of Basic Education. I have not only benefitted but the whole school has a well.”
Nontethelelo Zulu from Nhlosenhle Creche in Mpaphala, uMlalazi says Zero2Five is always prepared to go that extra mile to improve ECD Centres through training and donating educational resources with the aim of readying centres for formal registration
“Thank you Zero2Five for giving ECD practitioners the opportunity to take part in the NQF Level 4 course. This course is a Qualification for all ECD practitioners. We love and appreciate all that you do for our young children and our communities,” she says.
Noxolo Mazibuko from Lunga Creche in Bergville (Okhahlamba) observes that the school has significantly benefitted from the return of a staff member who recently completed the NQF level 4 first 2 modules.
“She explains the importance of child growth from the time they are born until they are seven as well as the importance of observing a child and keeping records. By ensuring that children are loved, cared for, safe, well fed and happy playing with other children, they develop physically, mentally, socially and emotionally,” she points out.
Thuleleni Zungu from Isibani Creche in Winterton adds: “This programme has helped me to become a better practitioner. It has really changed how I approach my work. Level 4 equips teachers with skills and knowledge. I’m now able to plan and prepare a broad phase learning environment and create stimulating activities that meet the holistic needs of all children.”
Thembi Radebe from Princess Magogo Bergville Okhahlamba concludes that Zero2five has helped with breakfast, learning resources, books and training. “As our centres are in rural areas where poverty is rife, we really appreciate this. Their helpdesk delivers support and guidance, helps to find solutions for practitioners and address concerns. Learning groups encourage cooperation, conversation, compromise and problem-solving as we face different challenges on a daily basis. They help practitioners to work together to achieve their goals to improve the quality of early childhood care and education.”
