Remarks by Dr Tshepo Motsepe at the launch of the Kanana Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre, Kanana Township, Orkney

MEC of Social Development in the North West Province,Ms Boitumelo  Moiloa
Executive Mayor of Matlosana, Councillor Maetu Kgaile, 
Councillors from the Kanana community 
Senior Executives of the Aspen Pharmacare Group Mr. Stavros Nicolaou and Mr. Jackie Tau
Board Member of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, Ms. Mmabatho Maboya,
Trustee of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation and Member of the Board of the Adopt-a-School Foundation, Ms. Donne Nicol, 
CEO of the Adopt-a-School Foundation, Mr. Steven Lebere, 
Executive members and Staff of the Adopt-a-School Foundation, 
Officials present,
Principals of participating and neighbouring ECD centres, 
Parents of the Kanana ECD Centre, 
And a special welcome to the learners who have joined us here today.

I am tremendously honoured to be part of this official launch of the Kanana Early Childhood Development Centre.  

Many of you will know that Early Childhood Development (ECD) is a subject very close to my heart. It goes without saying that Early Childhood Development is the crucial foundation on which we build a healthy, engaged and active society.  It is crucial in preparing young learners for formal education. 

The partnership between the ECD sector and Aspen Pharmacare demonstrates responsible corporate citizenship in action: and let be begin by thanking Aspen for this critical contribution to transforming the lives of our nation’s children.

Research has proven that ECD provides the building blocks for cognitive and physical development, which ensures the development of knowledge, problem-solving, skills development and attitude needed for the future of learning.

However, in South Africa, statistics indicate that approximately 84% of South African children between the ages of 0 – 4 years have limited or no access to formal Early Childhood Development care.  

The inevitable outcome when a significant number of young learners are unable to meet their development potential in the early years is that they struggle to progress later in their schooling. This in turn  places enormous pressure on secondary schools and tertiary institutions when they receive these children.

This area has been identified as one where the availability, standard and quality of ECD centers were sub-optimal. 

But now, working with the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, the Adopt-a-School  Foundation, the National Department of Health and the North West Department of Social Development, the Aspen Pharmacare Group has supported the building of infrastructure to aid learning and teaching.

This new centre has the following features:
• Four ECD classrooms,
• An ablution block,
• A Kitchen and cooking area,
• A Storage facility,
• An Office,
• A Sickroom,
• A Play area,

In addition, furniture has been provided as well as jungle gyms for recreation. 

It would not be an overstatement to say that this center will dramatically improve the lives of the young people of this community. Furthermore it will be a place of learning, opportunity and importantly of safety for future generations.

I am  immensely encouraged by the commitment demonstrated by our partners to the development of ECD practitioners.  

Aspen has committed resources for funding strategic planning, teambuilding and leadership development programme for the ECD principals and practitioners. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we mark this milestone, I want to encourage other private sector partners to follow in the footsteps of the Aspen Pharmacare Group. 

I call upon business and other key role-players to join the Adopt-a-School Foundation to build more such centres in our communities.

The Adopt-a-School Foundation currently works in 615 schools across the country and has had demonstrable success in the implementation of a community-based infrastructure model, supported by public and private partners.

I once again convey our appreciation to Aspen Pharmacare, to the North West Department of Social Development and all who participated in the Project Management Committee, including the Presidency, the Department of Health, the Department of Education, the Ward Councillors and the Municipality and the Adopt-a-School Foundation. 

I also wish to acknowledge our ECD practitioners, principals and the management team of Kanana Early Childhood Development Center for their hard work.

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

The name Kanana evokes the Biblical land of Canaan: a land of promise and opportunity, flowing with milk and honey. Equal access to education is amongst the most fundamental of human rights. It cannot be, and it should never be that a child born to parents of means is able to be stimulated and educated in a well-resourced environment of safety and comfort, while a child born to parents of humble circumstances is condemned to inferior standards of education and care. 

The children of Kanana need, want and deserve the best, as do all the children of our great country. With this center we are giving them the means to get a good start in life. It is the children who are educated and grow up in this community who will someday assume the mantle of responsibility to turn this truly into a place of abundance and plenty. 

And so I say to you, this is your center. 

Take ownership of it. Protect it. Support its work. 

It is only when we as the community take charge of the resources that have been provided and build on them, that we will flourish. 

With this solid foundation I have no doubt the children of Kanana will be able to thrive and to reach their full potential. 

I thank you.

This is your centre designed to provide early childhood development for the community at large.  

Let us all work together to protect this excellent infrastructure for future generations.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let us continue to work together to grow South Africa.

I sincerely thank you.