The North-West University (NWU) bhive Early Development Centre (EDC) on the Vanderbijlpark Campus recently came alive with activity when it hosted an engaging early childhood development (ECD) training session for members of the Vaal United Business Forum (VUBF).
Among the 21 enthusiastic participants, one male attendee joined a group of predominantly female teachers and entrepreneurs from Sharpeville and Sebokeng. The five-day training was a hands-on experience filled with cutting, hand and foot painting, drawing, paper folding and laughter. The primary objective was to equip practitioners with the practical skills needed to educate, entertain and communicate effectively with young children in their ECD centres.
This group of young entrepreneurs had previously participated in a Student Training for Entrepreneurial Promotion (STEP) programme in 2025, and this training aimed to further strengthen their capacity to run successful ECD centres.
The foundational ECD training was facilitated by LUSA, a local non-profit organisation based in Sasolburg that collaborates with the NWU to empower local communities. Led by Rita Jacobs, an experienced ECD trainer, the programme focused on practical skills essential for implementing and managing an effective ECD curriculum.
Teachers learned how to stimulate and assess the social, emotional and physical development of preschool children, monitor motor skills, hearing, eye movements and visual processes, and create school-ready learners. The course also emphasised sustainable teaching practices, equipping participants to use recyclable materials for creating teaching aids and testing instruments, enhancing classroom engagement.
Over five days, participants were upskilled in a practical, interactive environment that emphasised the vital role ECD teachers play in nurturing well-balanced, confident and school-ready children.
The final day of the training introduced the innovative Garden in a Box concept, facilitated by Phil Zwane. This initiative enables ECD centres to plant and harvest their own vegetables, supplementing meals for children and teaching learners about agriculture and sustainability. Each participant received a Garden in a Box starter pack to implement the concept at their centres.
The certificate handover ceremony was attended by Lester Mpolokeng, NWU director for sustainability and community impact, highlighting the significance of the collaboration between the NWU, bhive and LUSA. He added that this collaboration demonstrates a remarkable model for community engagement, equipping local entrepreneurs and educators with the skills and tools to make a lasting difference in early childhood education.
“Seeing these young entrepreneurs engage with practical ECD methods and take ownership of the learning environment reminds us of the transformative power of hands-on education. It is about preparing children for life, not just school,” said Dr Johann Landsberg, manager at the bhive EDC.
Martin Manmohan, Entrepreneurship Ecosystem project manager at the NWU, added: “This training exemplifies how entrepreneurship and education intersect. By empowering our community members with skills to run their own ECD centres, we are nurturing both business leaders and future-ready learners.”
Thanu Padayachee, CEO of LUSA, emphasised: “By cultivating safe and engaging learning environments, we honour each child’s individuality and lay the foundation for confident, lifelong learners.”
The five-day training was a hands-on experience filled with cutting, hand and foot painting, drawing, paper folding and laughter.
