CHILDHOOD development projects should be extended to the poorest provinces, Women, Children and People with Disabilities Minister Lulu Xingwana said
"Development of Eastern Cape and Limpopo provinces should also be prioritised. Women and children are suffering in these areas."
Xingwana was speaking at the launch of an Early Childhood Development (ECD) project at Gallagher Estate in Midrand.
The project is headed by resource company BHP Billiton in collaboration with international nonprofit organisation PATH.
BHP Billiton has donated R200-million for a five-year initiative towards transforming ECD in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape and Maputo in Mozambique.
The project will concentrate on improving health care services for newly born children and children until the age of two years.
It aims to decrease child and maternal mortality.
Xingwana hailed the initiative and encouraged other companies to follow suit.
"Social investment is a very critical element of creating a sustainable economy and progressive social development," she said.
Margot Davids of the Department of Social Development said the first 1000 days of life determined every child's future development.
"Giving a child a good start is one of the best gifts the government can give," Davids said.
Bid to curb child mortality rate
CHILDHOOD development projects should be extended to the poorest provinces, Women, Children and People with Disabilities Minister Lulu Xingwana said
"Development of Eastern Cape and Limpopo provinces should also be prioritised. Women and children are suffering in these areas."
Xingwana was speaking at the launch of an Early Childhood Development (ECD) project at Gallagher Estate in Midrand.
The project is headed by resource company BHP Billiton in collaboration with international nonprofit organisation PATH.
BHP Billiton has donated R200-million for a five-year initiative towards transforming ECD in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape and Maputo in Mozambique.
The project will concentrate on improving health care services for newly born children and children until the age of two years.
It aims to decrease child and maternal mortality.
Xingwana hailed the initiative and encouraged other companies to follow suit.
"Social investment is a very critical element of creating a sustainable economy and progressive social development," she said.
Margot Davids of the Department of Social Development said the first 1000 days of life determined every child's future development.
"Giving a child a good start is one of the best gifts the government can give," Davids said.
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