Studies have shown that children who perform academically well in their school career do so because they have a good academic foundation. This foundation is set during the ages of 4 and 7 years old.

Taking this into account, Sasol, through the Osizweni Science Centre established a Toy Library in 2006 based in eMbalenhle. The Toy Library’s focus is on numeracy and literacy. Children from the ages of 4-7 visit the Toy Library and are stimulated in these fields through engagements with educational toys and computer based programs. Pre-schools are able to borrow resources to enhance the experience of children in their schools. Practitioners are subject to training which assists them in ensuring that a pre-school child is developed to their full potential.

The services of the Toy Library was further extended in 2017. It was identified that although the pre-school practitioners do receive intensive training through workshops hosted by the Toy Library team, there is still a gap in terms of the practitioner’s formal education. To address the lack of qualifications, a group of 20 practitioners have been awarded bursaries to study towards their level 4 in Early Childhood Development. Practitioners began their studies in September 2017, they attend class for two weeks in a month and are expected to qualify in June 2018.

It is envisaged that a pre-school that has the full support of the Toy Library together with qualified practitioners, will produce well rounded learners with the necessary knowledge that ensures a proper foundation is built for the child. Thus giving them a better chance at performing well academically in their school career.

Practitioners during their Level 4 Early Childhood Development classes.