Young children (birth to five years) are among the most vulnerable members of South Africa, which is why our Constitution prioritises children's rights in Section 28 of the Bill of Rights, says the DO MORE FOUNDATION.

It states that the best interests of a child are of paramount importance to be achieved through shared responsibility, adds the foundation. 
 
The 'Everyone Gets To PLAY' (EGTP) collective action model is a practical solution to making shared responsibility a reality. According to the foundation, this model brings together early learning providers, families, government, businesses and other local partners to ensure the fulfilment of children's rights to:
  • education
  • healthcare
  • food
  • water
  • social services
  • parental / caregiver care, and
  • shelter.    
The foundation says since March 2023, DMF and its implementing partner (ECF) have been working in Rustenburg to promote universal access to quality services that meet young children's developmental rights and needs as outlined in the National Integrated ECD Policy.

A scoping exercise conducted by ECF in partnership with DMF indicates that one of the major barriers to quality Early Childhood Development (ECD) in Zinniaville, Karlien Park, Dinie Estate, Seraleng and Kroondal is the lack of learning facilities for young children.
 
The DMF says that without access to dedicated ECD centres and playgroups, parents / caregivers in these five areas leave their young children in the care of Day Mothers. The 2022 Stats SA Census Report confirms this at a provincial level, with 52.4% of young children in the North West not participating in any ECD programme, compared to other provinces. 
 
According to the foundation, a Day Mother will look after about six to eight children, ranging in age from six months up to four years, from her house while parents / caregivers are at work. 
 
There are 13 women currently enrolled in DMF's Day Mother Programme; in total, they support 80 children in the five communities. The programme aim is two-fold:
  1. to find women already looking after children and train them on health and safety, nutrition and early learning to develop an age-appropriate learning programme and environment for children.
  2. to empower these women to establish a sustainable source of income to support their own families and contribute to the local economy.
Kabelo Mosate-Dambuza, community programmes support in Rustenburg for DMF, underscores the significance of the programme.

"Day Mothers play a crucial role in expanding access to early learning facilities in communities where ECD centres are sparse. By providing targeted training and economic opportunities, we not only enhance child development but also uplift the livelihoods of these women," says Mosate-Dambuza. 
 
The DMF concludes that the successful expansion of the Day Mother Programme stands as a testament to the power of sustained and collective action to improve early learning access in Rustenburg and ensure the realisation of children's rights. 

For more information, visit www.domore.org.za. You can also follow the DMF on Facebook, LinkedIn, X or Instagram. 
 
 *Image courtesy of contributor