Early Childhood Development (ECD) is far more than "early learning"

ECD is a holistic concept and is a theme that runs through much of Khulisa's work: it relates directly to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, health and nutrition, poverty reduction and community development, for example. Khulisa has worked extensively with the South African government, as well as with organisations such as SABC and UNICEF to improve the situation of very young children in South Africa.

While education is an important element of ECD, it is just one of many crucial parts of a child's development and well-being. ECD programmes and interventions encompass a range of services and supported by a wide variety of stakeholders. Such interventions may focus on childcare provision, psychosocial support, nutrition and health, cognitive development, school attendance and achievement, child rights or other needs of very young children.

Why does ECD matter?

Studies have shown that early childhood is the most significant phase of development in human life. Vital physical, cognitive and emotional growth occurs during the early years of life. Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes are designed to facilitate this development and learning by providing services to children and educating and supporting parents, caregivers and teachers.

Children in Africa are a vulnerable group. The poverty rate among children has increased in recent years and a majority of children under age six are not attending any form of schooling. Children living in poverty are not the only at-risk groups; disabled, HIV-positive, and female children are at particular risk as well. ECD provides a safety net for these children and is vital not just to children but to all. It must be viewed as an investment in the future of Africa. Benefits, including improved health and nutrition, greater cognitive development and school achievement, higher school enrolment, and fewer dropouts, have a lasting impact on the population as a whole.