Durban, South Africa — August 2024 — Women in the rural and township economies face heightened vulnerability to poverty and unemployment, according to Julika Falconer, CEO of the Zero2Five Trust, a Durban-based organisation dedicated to Early Childhood Development (ECD). Working within these communities, Falconer highlights that poverty is a daily reality, impacting many children’s access to education, which is crucial for lifting them out of the cycle of poverty and reducing their risk of joining the growing pool of unemployed youth.

High Unemployment Rate

According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), during the first quarter of 2024, the unemployment rate among young people (aged 15-34 years) stood at 45.5%, with unemployment among young females reaching 49.4%—a notable increase from 46.1% in 2004. Limited educational attainment and social and economic disadvantages were identified as primary drivers of these elevated rates.

A recently published report by the Commission for Gender Equality titled Women in the South African Economy 2024 further noted that a higher proportion of women reside in rural areas, leading to higher joblessness rates. This situation is exacerbated by the fact that childcare is often not regarded as an economic activity, especially as many carers are unpaid and under-educated.

Addressing Challenges This Women’s Month

During Women’s Month (August), and in the run-up to its 10th anniversary in October, the Zero2Five Trust is addressing this double disadvantage by improving the standard of ECD and upskilling women who care for young children in these communities.

Falconer explains that Zero2Five Trust aims to turn UNICEF’s statement—that the early childhood phase from birth to nine years is the most important period for a human being’s development—into a daily reality for communities in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Over the past decade, Zero2Five has reached important milestones in its mission to support early childhood education through good health, proper nutrition, and early learning.

Celebrating a Decade of Helping Rural Communities

In lieu of a celebration, Zero2Five and its funders will mark their milestone anniversary in October with the launch of the Amplify Rural ECD Campaign. This initiative includes offering 100 bursaries to rural ECD practitioners and providing educational resources to many under-resourced ECD centres.

“In May and June 2024, we onboarded 66 ECD practitioners from rural areas near Bergville (uThukela) and Eshowe (King Cetshwayo) for the Legacy Level 4 ECD Training Programme before the final cutoff date of 30 June for the bursary campaign,” Falconer explains.

Zero2Five has also trained 150 ECD practitioners from rural KZN for the Wordworks ‘Little Stars’ programme and its Readers are Leaders campaign, with support from Wordworks and Truworths. A further 85 ECD practitioners enrolled in the LEGO Duplo Play Box programme, which enhances playful learning through colours, numeracy, and fine motor skills.

Testimonials from Beneficiaries

Feedback from beneficiaries highlights the impact of these seemingly small steps in addressing a monumental problem:

• Siphelele Msimango from Yamkela Crèche in Ntumen, uMlalazi, says, “Zero2Five has changed our lives entirely. We are now entering doors we never thought possible in terms of nutrition, hygiene, security, academics, and self-wellness. I can work with all kinds of children and parents now. They have taught me how to work with parents who are not cooperating and deal with rejection positively. Learning groups have assisted me in upgrading my skills by working in teams and sharing ideas with others.”

• Nontethelelo Zulu from Nhlosenhle Creche in Mpaphala, uMlalazi, appreciates Zero2Five’s dedication: “Zero2Five is always prepared to go that extra mile to improve ECD Centres through training and donating educational resources to get centres ready for formal registration.”

• Noxolo Mazibuko from Lunga Creche in Bergville (Okhahlamba) says, “The school has significantly benefitted from the return of a staff member who completed the NQF Level 4 first two modules. She explains the importance of child growth from birth until age seven, as well as the importance of observing children and keeping records.”

• Thuleleni Zungu from Isibani Creche in Winterton comments, “This programme has helped me become a better practitioner. It has changed how I approach my work. Level 4 equips teachers with skills and knowledge. I’m now able to plan and prepare a broad phase learning environment and create stimulating activities that meet the holistic needs of all children.”

• Thembi Radebe from Princess Magogo Bergville Okhahlamba concludes, “Zero2Five has helped with breakfast, learning resources, books, and training. As our centres are in rural areas where poverty is rife, we really appreciate this support. Their helpdesk delivers guidance and helps to find solutions for practitioners facing daily challenges. Learning groups encourage cooperation, conversation, and problem-solving. They help practitioners work together to improve the quality of early childhood care and education.”

A Brighter Future for ECD in Rural KZN

The Zero2Five Trust continues to transform the lives of rural ECD practitioners and the children they care for, helping to create brighter futures for the next generation. With its Amplify Rural ECD Campaign and a decade of support and growth, Zero2Five Trust is committed to uplifting communities and empowering women in rural and township economies.

For more information, visit: Zero2Five Trust.

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