adminSpeaking during an ECD graduation of 103 pupils aged between four and five at Nkulumane Primary School in Mpopoma, Bulawayo yesterday, Dr Ndlovu said the programme has built a firm foundation in the academic careers of young children.
“Early Childhood Education focuses on the holistic development of children and it bridges the gap between the home and the school,” said Dr Ndlovu.
He urged parents to complement Government efforts in educating children from an early age.
“Parents should provide adequate learning resources that are developmental and appropriate for young pupils. At the moment, the school only has ECD B classes that cater for four to five-year-olds, but the ECD A for three to fours year has not been established. I would like to urge you as parents to send your three to four-year-olds to school as well for the ECD A classes to start.
“Parents here this afternoon should be committed and energetic so as to play a meaningful role in the education of their children,” he said.
Dr Ndlovu called on the Government to include ECD education in the National Budget.
“The Government should ensure that the budget takes into consideration the plight of Early Childhood Education. The children are our future, hence they deserve adequate learning resources,” he said.
Dr Ndlovu said the headmaster and the community had a role to play in providing a healthy environment for ECD pupils.
“There is a need for proper and clean sanitary facilities for ECD pupils as they are young and delicate.
They should not share facilities with their brothers and sisters in the upper grades,” he said.
Online Reporter