Preschool teachers receive books and materials for teaching
Thu, 22 July 2010
“I learned that the games help children to develop skills, including sharing and taking turns. My playroom is so attractive with the posters, toys, tables and chairs for the children. I have learned so many games and rhymes that I am comfortable and confident to play and present to children. Thank you for giving me the passion for teaching through play back.” - Masechaba Molemi of Dorcas House Pre-school, Kroonstad.
REPORT 2: Ntataise Trust - Enrichment programme for rural preschool educators (http://www.sasix.co.za/projects/view/ECD-FS-MAY-0003/)
The Ntataise Enrichment Programme is a three-year enrichment project in the Free State districts of Viljoenskroon, Bothaville, Kroonstad, Edenville, Steynsrus and Parys. This pilot programme aimed to build on the existing knowledge and skills of 90 teachers from 30 Early Childhood and Development (ECD) centres who have completed their formal training.
The project provides hands-on training with the children through quarterly workshops and follow-up site visits. It equips centres with age-appropriate books, posters and educational toys to develop pre-literacy and numeracy skills.
The 12 month project started in January and was completed in December 2009.
Outputs and Impact
- On-site support visits began in February 2009. During these visits, experienced Ntataise Enrichment Trainers offered support to first year ECD practitioners. These continued throughout the year, during which each practitioner received between six and eight support visits.
- Support visits to second and third year practitioners also started in February and each practitioner received between four and six visits during the year.
- A selection of suitable educational toys and children’s books were identified and ordered for practitioners’ playrooms. These toys and books were delivered to practitioner playrooms in October and November 2009.
Expenditure
The total cost of the project is R 140 000 and has been fully paid.
| Description | Total Budget | Total Expenses to date |
| Educational toys and books | 80 000 | 80 000 |
| Art Materials | 10 000 | 10 000 |
| Monitoring and evaluation | 50 000 | 50 000 |
| TOTAL | 140 000 | 140 000 |
Challenges
The vast distances that Ntataise Enrichment trainers had to travel every day between the various districts was initially a major challenge. In order to reduce the travel time and costs, practitioners agreed to meet at a central venue for monthly workshops.
Monitoring and evaluation
Since 2005, academics from the University of Pretoria have been monitoring the effects of the programme. In November 2009, they carried out an audit to assess the quality of the teaching and learning of pre-schools which are taking part in the Enrichment Programme in Rammulotsi, Viljoenskroon. Some notable results were:
- Interviews with practitioners suggested that Grade 1 teachers at the Primary Schools were satisfied with the competencies of learners drawn from Ntataise pre-schools. According to the primary school teachers these learners were well-behaved and school-ready.
- Trainers who were interviewed commented pointed to increased knowledge of games and activities, improved facilitation skills and increased confidence in their own teaching as impact highlights.
- Trainers reported that practitioners gained facilitation skills and that they observed a marked improvement in teaching. They also reported that practitioners were better able to create classroom environments conducive to learning. However, they acknowledged that there are those who still need ongoing training.
- Practitioners commented that they had already gained enormously from the Enrichment Programme. They expressed their desire to complete the programme and to continue with their learning.
Conclusion
The Ntataise Enrichment Programme improved the learning environments of the participating ECD centres by building on existing knowledge and skills, as well as the provision of educational toys and materials for their classrooms. Reports from primary school teacher that children drawn from these ECD centres are intellectually and socially prepared to enter the formal schooling system is a highly encouraging indication of the long-term potential impact of this project.
