05 Dec 2024

 Parents have been urged to recognise the importance of playgroups in nurturing early childhood education, according to health education assistant Ms Pingana Kusaina of Shorobe Clinic. 

Speaking at the recent graduation ceremony for 34 pupils from Shorobe Playgroup, Ms Kusaina emphasised that playgroups provide a stimulating environment where children can learn and develop critical new skills.

The graduation, held on Wednesday, was part of the Save Wildlife Organisation’s Early Childhood Development Programme, designed for children aged 3-6.

This initiative focuses on teaching young learners about the importance of environmental preservation.

The organisation collaborates with Village Development Committees (VDCs) to establish playgroups in regions where wildlife and human populations intersect, aiming to educate children on peaceful coexistence with animals.

Despite the positive impacts of playgroups, Ms Kusaina expressed concern regarding some parents’ lack of support, noting that playgroups offer essential opportunities for children to learn and socialise in a nurturing environment.

She highlighted that children who participate in these early childhood education programs tend to show significant improvement in various developmental areas once they begin formal school, including language, cognitive skills, communication, and physical abilities.

Echoing Ms Kusaina’s sentiments, a parent Ms Therisa Shangwena shared her personal experience with her graduating child.

She lauded the benefits of playgroups, explaining how they foster social skills, build confidence, and encourage creative exploration.

“Playgroups are great for children’s learning and development,” she said.

“My child was struggling with communication, and since I enrolled her, she can talk clearly and even sing.”

Ms Shangwena appealed to fellow parents to take an active role in their children’s early education, emphasizing that such involvement is crucial for shaping their futures.

“Some of a child’s most important cognitive development happens during their preschool years,” she added, underscoring the need for parental support to help children reach their full potential.

She noted that engaged parents can extend the teaching learned in playgroups into the home, ultimately enhancing their children’s performance in school.

Shorobe deputy chief Kgosi Boingotlo Nonyane expressed gratitude to the VDC for providing the community hall as a playgroup, recognizing it as a commitment to advancing local developmental agendas. 

He praised Save Wildlife for their innovative approach to instilling good morals in young children, asserting that child development requires collective efforts from all stakeholders. Ends