26 Nov 2013

Government has introduced the concept of Integrated Early Childhood Education (IECD) which will ensure that learning and integrated needs of young children are met.

The principal education officer - pre schools, Ms Tiny Ntshinogang said this at the graduation ceremony of Future of Hope pre-school. She said the new curriculum was more developed and would produce a well rounded child who is ready to learn and be part of society.

She added that pre-schools should not only concern themselves with developing pupils’ reading skills, but should also develop responsible citizens who respected the spirit of botho. “An educated child should also know how to share and care for others. We should develop children who know that they should avoid polluting the environment, and are tolerant of other children with special needs,” she said.

Ms Ntshinogang urged parents not to pressurise government to introduce advanced academic activities for children at an early age. She said children should be allowed to grow holistically and reach all the necessary developmental milestones by becoming independent, confident, functional, contributing and happy human beings.

“Play is the business of children. It is their right and their way of learning. Children grow physically, mentally, emotionally and socially through play. This will also develop their muscles, minds and imagination,” said Ms Ntshinogang.

She reminded parents that pre-schools are not care giving areas and urged them to take their children through all immunization procedures. She said children also require nutritious meals at home and schools.

For his part, Woodhall Customary Court President Kgosi Pius Letsholo advised parents to give their children positive parental guidance and to always attend Parent Teachers Association meetings. Kgosi Letsholo said he is aware that pre-school teaching is very challenging. He encouraged the pupils to study hard and become good ambassadors of Future of Hope pre-school. Ends