Victor Mecoamere

Victor Mecoamere

Children need to grow up in a nurturing and secure environment that can facilitate their development, protection, survival and participation in society.

So said Social Development Minister Zola Skweyiya when he launched the Early Childhood Development sites, or creches registration drive, in Temba, Hammanskraal, Gauteng, in October last year.

Also informing a part of the National Integrated Plan for Early Childhood Development, the drive is due to peak in October, which is National Social Welfare Month. It is also aimed at ensuring that every child enjoys the right to basic nutrition, shelter, basic health care services and social services.

Skweyiya said the plan establishes a solid foundation of physical, emotional, psycho-social, cognitive and health development for children.

"The plan involves the health, education and social development departments. It seeks to facilitate sector-wide cooperation that includes health checks, social grants and services, as well as age-relevant educational programmes."