A new era for Caversham Institute
July 07, 2020 By Denice Stainbank
The year 2020 has been filled with unprecedented changes. Caversham started the year on a high note as we introduced two new centres in Cape Town and Highways Durban. Although our academic calendar was affected due to the lockdown starting in March this year- Caversham Institute intends to end this year on a high note.
The value of ECD in communities isn’t a new one as we have started with community leadership initiative called ‘Inspiring the Inspired’ which, although we have had to put this on hold with restrictions on public gatherings, is one exciting aspect of what we have always stood for at Caversham Institute, inspiring ECD teacher / practitioners to live and leave a lasting legacy. Where better to do this but in communities that are in need of quality and inspiring ECD centres. We look forward to finding new ways to inspire leaders in communities within this ‘new normal’ era.
As much as it hasn’t been business as usual we have really found that our team has been able to quickly adjust to the changes and work together to creatively to use this time to upgrade our systems, initiate on-line teaching & learning, update our core material and affirm our values of accountability, collaboration and lasting legacy. Our team decided early into the lockdown that it is highly important that we prioritize our students and staff.
This decision lead to us unanimously adopting a new aspirational goal for 2020 which is going to remain at the core of our decision making: To complete the academic year with our staff and students safe, well and inspired to rebuild ECD in their communities.
We are really excited to find new ways to communicate with our staff and students and although some of us have felt we have had more blonde moments than usual with blunders such as leaving the microphone on while we boil water/ enjoy a hearty breakfast or forgetting to switch the camera off while we actively participate with our eyes wide shut. It has been fun to see us all get used to the many platforms and with the intimacy of being in our homes it has made us feel closer as a whole staff. These new ways have also allowed us to connect and support our students as it really has been difficult in many ways, especially financially as many people have lost their jobs, many preschools have shut down and for some the stress of having to retrench staff has been extremely difficult. We have been able to share these heart-breaking moments and offer consolation, empathy and virtual hugs-this has strengthened our team communication.
Ultimately we are looking forward to our intake for 2021 and with the support of our Board, Central Team, facilitators, mentors, students, and investors we are emerging from this National Lockdown stronger, more cohesive and yet more agile and flexible. We are inspired to explore alternative ways to communicate and offer training that will expand our reach in providing an invaluable service in the sector. We are excited to step into a new era with endless possibilities for collaboration and growth as we welcome a new normal.
Kelly Smith
Testimony: It’s never too late to go for it!
Studying at Caversham has enabled me to pursue my passion of teaching small children. It has also shown me that I am never too old to pursue my dreams, seeing the children grow and flourish warms my heart every day-Kelly Smith.
Kelly’s words are so encouraging to anyone who feels they are called to teach the precious little ones that at any age you can live out your purpose. If you can relate please comment below about how you pursued your passion. We are so proud of you Kelly, your testimony is both heartwarming and encouraging to others to just go for it! Well done!
New Center Alert
We are excited to announce that our Durban centers are growing. In 2020 we will have a new center in Durban in addition to our centers in Durban (Glenwood); Port Shepstone; Ballito; Pietermaritzburg; Cape Town and Zululand. Please send us a message with your email address or call us on 031 2062000 or 0605219027 to get information on registration for 2020.
Cape Town Open Days- New Centers in Cape Town.
HELLO OCTOBER! Great News 🙂
Caversham Education Institute is growing and we are inviting you to our OPEN DAYS in Cape Town THIS MONTH!
To book your place please send us a message, a whatsapp/ call us on 0605219027 or send us an email: marketing@cavershameducationinstitute.co.za and we will forward you all the details. See you there!
Spaces are filling up fast so book your space today
Testimony by Bridgette Sithole
Testimony #longbutworthit #getyourtissuesout
Bridgette Sithole was washing cars for a living when she heard about Caversham Institute. Through relying on customer tips and temporary jobs, she raised funds for registration.
As time went on she quit the car-washing job to focus on her studies. She then did more piece jobs like washing her neighbor’s laundry so that she got money for transport to go to College. She then got hired as a cleaner at a Pre-Primary school where she was able to do her assessments.
Bridgette’s heartfelt gratitude was expressed in her testimony where she said: ‘I would like to thank the family I have in Caversham: especially Jabu Mtheku; Janet, my lecturer, and my friend and mentor Phindile Khumalo. You have all been supportive and encouraging throughout my studies and often went the extra mile for me. Lastly, I would like to thank my family for hanging in there just for me and respecting my journey.
We are so proud to have you young lady. You are an inspiration to us all and a key example of what one can achieve with perseverance and hard work.
WE ARE EXPANDING IN 2020!
The Importance of Early Childhood Development
In South Africa 80% of children from the ages of 3-6 are not in accredited early childhood development schools as stated by statistics. This is due to several reasons, including a general lack in qualified early childhood development teachers as one of the major factors. In South Africa Early Childhood Development (ECD) is a priority and is supported by legislation, national policies and strategies. Let’s take a closer look at the significant benefits of early childhood development.
Helps with Concentration:
Children’s minds are full of curiosity; their minds and bodies are never still. This makes it hard for them to listen and complete tasks. However, their attention span improves tremendously once they start attending ECD schools. Which results in the children being able to listen better, improved effective communication, follow instructions, concentrate on their tasks and participate in group activities.
Patience & Teamwork:
When children interact with their peers in group activities, they gain not only patience but also a respect for the opinions and ideas of others. Through teamwork they experience socialization making them open minded on issues of diversity and fosters cooperation and equality.
Encourages Holistic Development:
A child’s foundation is very important and should not be taken for granted. The overall wellbeing of children’s cognizant and mental development, their physical and emotional development and social skills are important founding factors in ensuring their success for the future.
Makes Children Open for Learning:
Trained early childhood development educators can effectively support children individually in areas where they struggle, which in turn makes children confident in their skills as they grow. Building confidence is an essential ingredient for all aspects of your child’s healthy development and a key ingredient for their adult success.
Early childhood is a crucial part of a child’s development and quality training will ensure a child is confident and ready for school. It takes a trained ECD educator who has gone through a professional development course to be able to facilitate the all-round development of young children in a manner that is sensitive to culture and individual needs (including special needs).
A trained teacher will be able to provide quality early childhood development services for children in a variety of contexts, including community-based services, ECD centres, at home and in institutions. There are institutions like Caversham Institute that are tackling the issues of unqualified ECD teachers by providing teacher training, education training and psychology qualifications.
Registrations for the higher certificate and diploma in Early Childhood development for 2020 are now open at Caversham Institute in Durban.
