Ntataise receives innovation award

Ntataise is delighted to have received the Community Chest Impumelelo Social Innovations Silver Award for the ECD Centres of Excellence Hub Programme. The awards were established in 1999 to acknowledge innovators who find creative solutions to local challenges. The Ntataise Hub programme provides a basket of services that have been adapted and refined over time, making it a model that is recognised by government as a scalable solution to increase access to quality ECD programmes for young children within marginalised communities.

ECD Practitioners and centres are faced with many challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, equipment and resources, poor salaries and generally a lack of support. Working under such conditions often leaves practitioners feeling isolated with low motivation and confidence. The model provides opportunities for the empowerment of practitioners through the formation of communities of practice where practitioners observe each other’s centres in action, helping to establish processes for peer-learning and support, self-reflection and continuous learning in non-judgemental and collaborative ways.

In 2018, the programme was implemented by Ntataise and eight Ntataise Network members in Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Limpopo, the North West and Free State provinces. This year alone, the project has reached 329 ECD Centres and practitioners, directly benefiting 22 261 children.

Ntataise Hub Facilitators Sandra Mokwena, Mantoa Mokhothu and Moleboheng Leburu accept the award at the ceremony in Cape Town.