Grow ECD Success | Bavumile Goba | Sithokozile Play Group | KwaZulu-Natal
Running my Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre has been an incredibly fulfilling journey, driven by key motivations that resonate deeply with me.
My passion for early childhood development fuels everything I do.
From the moment I decided to open my centre, I knew that working with young children and nurturing their growth would be my life’s calling. Every day, I am inspired by the curiosity, creativity, and boundless potential of the children in our care. Witnessing their milestones, big and small, fills me with a sense of pride and purpose like no other. Knowing that I am playing a role in shaping their futures is an honour that motivates me to give my best each day.
My passion for early childhood development and the profound impact we have on the families we serve – these two motivations drive me to continue giving my all to ensure that every child who walks through our doors can flourish and reach their full potential.
Before joining the Grow ECD Small Business programme, our school faced numerous challenges hindering our ability to provide quality early childhood education. Limited resources, including educational materials and equipment, made creating engaging learning environments difficult.
Our curriculum lacked structure, leaving us overwhelmed and uncertain about teaching content. Without access to professional development, we felt ill-equipped to address learners’ diverse needs effectively. Managing administrative tasks was burdensome and time-consuming, detracting from teaching. Additionally, as independent operators, we lacked a supportive network, leading to feelings of isolation.
I was drawn to join Grow ECD due to their holistic support system tailored for ECD centre owners. Their mission to empower women entrepreneurs resonated deeply with me. They offered a clear roadmap for enhancing my centre’s quality and professionalism. Their focus on technology integration showcased a commitment to innovation and efficiency. I appreciated their emphasis on collaboration and community, offering access to valuable resources and peer support. Joining Grow ECD aligned with my values and vision for making a positive impact in early childhood education. Their comprehensive support offerings convinced me of their dedication to transform the field.
Grow ECD provided the framework and community I needed to thrive in serving children and families in my community.
Joining the Grow ECD programme offered solutions to all my challenges, providing training, curriculum support, and mentorship. Through the program, we gained access to resources, guidance, and a supportive community, empowering us to deliver high-quality education and care. Now, equipped with comprehensive support, we can focus on nurturing and educating the children in our care effectively.
Now we have a well-designed curriculum and kit that aligns with best practices in early childhood education. This curriculum provides a structured framework for teaching and learning, while the accompanying kit includes materials and resources to support hands-on activities and learning experiences.
As a centre owner, I appreciate how the Grow ECD app enables me to stay organised and focused on providing quality education.
The app has transformed the way I manage my ECD centre. From streamlining administrative tasks to enhancing teacher training and parent engagement, it offers a comprehensive solution tailored to my needs. With features like attendance tracking, finance management, and professional development resources, the app simplifies operations and promotes efficiency.
For my teachers, the app provides valuable training modules and resources to support classroom instruction. Parents benefit from real-time updates on their child’s progress and seamless communication with the school through the Grow Lion App for parents. Testimonials attest to the app’s true value in reducing paperwork, improving financial tracking, and fostering collaboration between stakeholders. The responsive helpdesk ensures that any issues or questions are promptly addressed, contributing to a positive user experience.
The Grow ECD App has become an indispensable tool in my journey to provide 5-star early learning experiences for every child in my centre.
Since joining the programme, we’ve experienced a remarkable transformation. The school now benefits from a well-structured curriculum, access to educational materials, and streamlined administrative processes. With the support of Grow ECD, our school has become more organised, efficient, and professional. We have created a more engaging and stimulating learning environment for our learners, fostering their growth and development.
The teachers have undergone significant positive changes since joining the Grow ECD program. Previously, they faced challenges related to limited training opportunities and feelings of isolation. However, with access to professional development resources and mentorship through Grow, the teachers have grown in confidence and competence. They now feel more supported, equipped, and motivated to deliver high-quality education to their students. The program has empowered them to implement effective teaching practices and adapt to the diverse needs of their learners.
For the children, the transformation has been profound and impactful. Previously they experienced limited access to quality education and lacked stimulating learning environments. Now, they benefit from a well-rounded curriculum, engaging activities, and supportive teachers. The children are thriving in an environment that nurtures their curiosity, creativity, and social-emotional development. They have access to resources and opportunities that promote their holistic growth and prepare them for future success.
The programme provides access to high-quality training resources designed to enhance my skills and knowledge in early childhood development. This training equips me with the tools and techniques necessary to deliver effective education and care to young children.
One of the most valuable aspects of the Grow programme is the mentorship provided by experienced professionals in the field of early childhood development. Having a mentor to guide and support me along the way allows me to navigate challenges, gain insights, and continuously improve my practice.
As the Principal of the school the transformation brought about by the Grow ECD Small Business programme has been personally fulfilling and rewarding. Previously, I may have felt overwhelmed by administrative tasks, uncertain about curriculum planning, and isolated in my professional journey. However, with the support and guidance of Grow, I have gained confidence, knowledge, and a sense of community. I am now better equipped to lead my school effectively, provide quality education and care to children, and make a positive impact in my community. The programme has enabled me to fulfil my passion for early childhood development and create a thriving educational environment for children.
Bavumile's Advice for Fellow ECD Centres
Bavumile offers these words of encouragement to other centre owners:
- Recognise your Impact: “Joining the Grow programme can elevate your centre’s quality of education and operational effectiveness, benefiting both children and staff.”
- Celebrate Achievements Together: “Celebrate milestones as part of the Grow community—it fosters pride, motivation, and camaraderie.”
- Navigate Challenges with Resilience: Acknowledge that challenges may arise but through perseverance and a growth mindset, ECD centres can overcome obstacles and emerge stronger.
- Lead with Passion and Purpose: By demonstrating enthusiasm and commitment, leaders can motivate their teams and create a culture of excellence.
- Build a Supportive Community: “Connect with others to share experiences and collaborate. The collective wisdom strengthens each centre.”
- Make a Meaningful Difference: “The programme offers a chance to unlock your full potential and provide quality education to children, making a lasting impact on their lives.”
Grow ECD is an early learning social enterprise. We equip ECD businesses and organisations with the skills, support and resources they need to provide 5-star early learning for every child.
Your support today can shape the next generation of learners and leaders. Donate now.