G20 Indaba explores ECD challenges and solutions

QUALITY Foundational Learning and Early Childhood Development (ECD) was discussed at the Western Cape Provincial Education G20 Indaba on Monday, during which several department officials and stakeholders presented to attendees on the importance of ECD education.

- THEOLIN TEMBO. [e-mail]

The flagship event was held under the themes Quality Foundational Learning - with emphasis on Early Childhood Development, as well as Educational Professional Development for a changing world.

The Western Cape Education Indaba serves as a response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent call for public involvement in the G20 discussions, focusing on the Education Working Group agenda for the 2025 summit.

The indaba follows others that have been held across the provinces, with the Western Cape being the last before a national indaba expected to take place next week.

Western Cape Education Department (WCED) Deputy Director-General for Institution Development and Coordination, Alan Meyer, started the presentations by highlighting that research, including the work of Nobel Laureate James Heckman, demonstrates that early learning has a significant impact on a child’s academic, social, and economic success.