About 100 pre-school teachers from Grahamstown and surrounding areas recently graduated at Rhodes University in different levels of  Early Childhood Development (ECD).

Preschool teachers in Grahamstown, Port Alfred, Alice, Peddie, Debe Nek, Fort Beafort and Bathurst obtained certificates ranging from Caring for babies and toddlers to National Diploma in Community Development Programme. Offered by the uninversity's Centre for Social Development (CSD), the courses take two years to complete.

CSD director Jean Schafer told the audience at Barratt Lecture Theatre that when the graduates started the courses they were already working as pre-school teachers. She added that the teachers did not have money to study but passion for working with the kids in their communities. She mentioned that some teachers were studying other courses but they gave the CSD courses their devotion as well.

Schafer told Grocott's Mail that the graduates were required to do assignments and practical work in order to pass their courses, while candidates for the National Diploma were required to also write exams. The grauduates paid between R400 and R500 per year towards their tuition fees and the rest came from donors. "We also provided them with lunch and tea when they attended classes but they had to provide
their own transport," she said.

Graduate Pamela Mdingi said the courses have developed them in a manner which makes them to be recognised teachers. "We are recognised as people who know what they are doing and I can now move on to teach Grade R,” she added. “We were taught how to deal with children, now we are professionals,” said another excited graduate Bongiwe Mgqwaki.

Another graduate Phindiswa Mpati said the course establishes a link between the teachers and the community. She added that when there is a problem with a child the teachers can go to the child's home and find out what the matter is. This occasion that was graced by the presence of Pastor Buwa of
the Seventh Day Adventist church who conducted a devotion.

Sybil Nongogo, director of ECD in the provincial Department of Education, said most people look down on this sector. “We fight to make this sector the gist of the department.” She said that it is in everyone's hands to make sure that kids have access to education and encouraged the graduates to put their newly-acquired skills to achieve what they want and more.

She said better teachers are needed to teach pre-school learners and encouraged parents to assist teachers at schools. "We all have a role to play as leaders and citizens, public and private organisations. We call on everyone to do as much as possible for the children.” said Songongo.

Another graduate Primrose Jali said that she chose the career because she had a passion for it. “I have worked with kids all my life, I'm looking forward to do my B Ed [Bachelor of Education degree] next year. In five years time I want to be a doctor for ECD as I want everyone to know the importance of children in our country," she added.