ECD
Why early childhood education matters
“ ECE is crucial for a child’ s development because it lays the groundwork for cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth,” Nwaneri asserts.
She believes this foundational period, characterised by rapid brain development, is pivotal for children to acquire essential skills that pave the way for their lifelong learning, behaviour, and health.
Nwaneri has witnessed firsthand the long-term benefits that quality early childhood education provides. Children who engage in ECE programmes often:
• achieve better academic results
• possess improved social skills
• face fewer behavioural problems
• enjoy higher earning potential as adults
• contribute to lower crime rates in their communities
Emotional and social development
“ Early childhood education plays a significant role in a child’ s emotional and social development,” Dr Nwaneri explains. Through structured play and interactions with peers, children learn to:
• develop empathy and understanding of others’ feelings
• build self-confidence and self-esteem
• communicate effectively and resolve conflicts peacefully
• form healthy relationships with peers and adults
Sesame Workshop South Africa’ s approach highlights how early childhood education not only uplifts individual lives but also promotes broader community growth.
“ Investing in ECE leads to job creation in communities in several ways,” says Dr Nwaneri. These include:
• the creation of teaching and administrative positions in ECE programmes
• increased demand for related services
• enhanced workplace stability, as parents can work knowing their children are in quality educational programmes
• community-based play and literacy-focused ECE initiatives
Adopting this philosophy, Sesame Workshop has embarked on diverse initiatives to generate employment opportunities within early childhood education. These include:
• training programmes for educators and caregivers
• partnerships with educational institutions to refine ECE curricula
• community outreach programmes that empower local early childhood education providers
Success stories: the power of education
A shining example of their impact is the journey of Willow, a participant in the Play to Learn programme – an initiative endorsed by the South African Council for Educators( SACE). Through this dynamic 12-week course, Willow honed her skills as a Play Facilitator, which led to her swift career advancement within the education sector.
“ Willow’ s story is just one among many that highlight our organisation’ s commitment to creating jobs and upskilling the youth,” says Dr Nwaneri.“ By empowering individuals like Willow, we are tackling unemployment while nurturing a new generation of skilled ECD practitioners.”
The role of parents in early education
Dr Nwaneri emphasises the importance of parental involvement in early education, recognising that parents and caregivers are indispensable partners in this journey.
“ Sesame Workshop actively engages families by providing resources and activities they can use at home to reinforce learning,” she explains.“ We also offer workshops and training sessions to help parents support their child’ s development and understand the importance of learning through play.”
About Dr Onyinye Nwaneri
She is the Managing Director of Sesame Workshop International South Africa, an international NPO that operates at the intersection of education, media, and research. Sesame Workshop’ s mission is to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.
Before joining Sesame Workshop SA, Dr Nwaneri held numerous executive roles, including in the well-known social enterprise, Africa Tikkun. She served as the Group CEO, providing strategic direction and leadership to its primary companies – Afrika Tikkun Foundation and Afrika Tikkun Services( Pty) Limited. Under her leadership, the company achieved an average revenue of R500 million and reached over 40 000 children and young people annually through 800 employees, implementing its Cradle-to- Career 360 ° model and programmes. A recipient of many awards, including the recent Social Impact Leader of the Year Award and the Gauteng Women in Excellence Award, Dr Nwaneri holds a Master’ s degree in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa from the University of Pretoria. www. futuresa. co. za 19