Overview
Overwhelming research has shown that the first few years of education are vital for a child’s future cognitive, emotional and physical development. One year of quality pre-school education will make a huge difference in the child’s potential for success. It is crucial to teach pre-school children in a nurturing and stimulating environment.
Tragically, few South African children will receive adequate early childhood education. Only 17 % of children receive one year of effective pre-school. The end result is that most six and seven year olds enter the formal schooling system drastically unprepared, resulting in frustration, poor learning, failure, grade repetition, and a high dropout rate. Only one in five South African children achieves a school-leaving certificate. No specific funds are allocated by the South African Government to the construction of pre-school classrooms.
Very few South African children receive adequate early childhood education. Only 2% of children under three are enrolled in full-day pre-school programs and about 17% of children under six. In Belgium, France, Denmark and Italy, by comparison, the figure is about 80%. Disadvantaged children are particularly seriously affected. Much of the pre-schooling, which does occur, takes place in cramped, dilapidated and unhygienic conditions, with problems ranging from lead paint contamination to inadequate lighting. The end result is that many six and seven year olds enter the formal schooling system drastically unprepared, which results in frustration and poor learning as well as high rates of grade repetition, failure and dropping out.
The South African Government has consequently asked primary schools to add Grade R facilities. They stipulate that primary schools need quality classrooms and that children should not be taught in shacks. The problem is, primary schools generally don’t have funds for extra classrooms.
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