Expanding and improving the quality of early childhood development (ECD) programmes for young children is a proven programme and sustainable solution.International research, corroborated by a range of South African studies, shows empirical evidence that good quality early childhood development experiences produce significant social, economic and developmental benefits to children, families and communities.A child who attends a good quality early childhood learning programme enters formal schooling:In addition, young girls who attend a quality early learning programme are less likely to become pregnant while in their teens.If a comprehensive and effective national ECD programme, supported by government was in place, it would clearly have a major impact on performance of pupils and on the national senior certificate results.American researchers, David Weikart and Larry Schweinhart, quantified these outcomes in dollar terms.
That this situation is untenable should not be disputed although Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, says she is “…happy with the results”, President Jacob Zuma however, is more circumspect saying that the improved pass rate “…is a step in the right direction.” Minister Motshekga has no reason to be happy especially since obtaining a pass is not that difficult. National Savings Certificate or NSC is a certificate accessible at most post offices in India. This represents 20 percent of the 0 to 6 age population and means that large numbers of vulnerable children do not benefit from a structured early learning programme, in a positive learning environment, prior to entering Grade one.Some young children grow up in environments and circumstances where parents are able to devote considerable time to their early education needs. Non-government organisations with many years of experience and much expertise can add value here. Nowadays, most trusts are purchasing these certificates.A key demerit of NSC is that it lacks liquidity and thus the investment stays fixed for six years. Once again the National Senior Certificate results are poor, notwithstanding the small increase in passes from 67.8 percent to 70.2 percent. Due to this compounding, the interest rate comes to approximately 8.16%. Benefits of NSC. However, some state boards of nursing (such as Minnesota and California) also offer certifications, and separate requirements could be necessary to keep the certification up to date in addition to, or in lieu of, the nursing license.
The result is that most of these children enter Grade one not having experienced even one year of a structured learning programme and the effect is felt twelve years down the line in poor school leaving results, if they ever get there.Government's Grade R programme is an attempt to meet this deficit, but it is too little, too late. It is a guaranteed return scheme and it provides various benefits. Two people can also jointly purchase the certificate. Like each education minister before her the current Minister stresses that we must intensify our efforts to address these weaknesses.To combat the poor showing year after year government needs to invest more heavily in the early years of education. this regard, the outcome of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) has since its introduction in 2008, been regarded as key indicator of the system’s progress. They calculated that each dollar spent on early childhood development produces a cost saving to society of US$16.14. It is also possible to transfer certificates between different post offices.Any adult can purchase NSC for themselves or for a minor. 496 090 wrote the senior certificate examinations in 2011 and 348,117 passed. Our organisations are willing and able to make a huge contribution to meeting the needs of our youngest children.As a country we need to make a much greater investment in education at the level that produces the greatest social and economic return, the early years, and see the benefits all the way through the education system.
A little more than one percent of the education budget is allocated to the early years.While the pervasive problems of poverty are not easily eradicated a radical rethink of early childhood development policy, strategy and practice is needed at a national level. National Savings Certificate or NSC is a certificate accessible at most post offices in India. 4 is equivalent to Grade 12 (National Senior Certificate) an National (Vocational) Certificate Level 4.