EAST London NGO Itec (Institute of Training and Education for Capacity-building) and national print and document solutions company ITEC share more than just a name.
They also share a commitment to supporting local Early Childhood Development (ECD) initiatives. Last week, Itec and ITEC Eastern Cape (the local branch of the business solutions company) partnered to deliver computer equipment to nine ECD centres in Buffalo City.
Few ECD centres have access to computers and printers, although providing care and education to groups of young children demand excellent administration systems. “Early Childhood Development practitioners are so much more than just child-minders.
“They are responsible for providing a variety of carefully planned activities that help young children develop emotionally, socially, cognitively and physically. Efficient administration should underpin good children’s programmes. We felt that access to modern technology would ease the admin burden, allowing these highly skilled practitioners to focus more on what they do best – supporting the development of our youngest children,” Itec (NGO) MD Caroll Warmberg said.
“We chose ECD centres where some of our best ECD students are working.
“These practitioners showed remarkable commitment to their studies, and have graduated with a Further Education and Training Certificate in ECD. Our computer training centre donated the PCs, and offered the practitioners a voucher to attend our basic computer training course,” she said.
“We have a long-standing relationship with our namesake ITEC East Cape, which has been very supportive of us and our work. They donated multifunction printers and paper, and helped us deliver and set up the computers and printers,” she said.
ITEC East Cape representative Michael van Wyk said: “When Caroll from our namesake, the NGO Itec, approached us to get involved in the project, it was a no-brainer for us. ECD centres have such an important role to play in the development of young children in South Africa and therefore the future of this country.
“Businesses have to embrace their responsibility to make a difference and get involved. Our contribution is only a small one in relation to what needs to be done but we hope we have made a lasting difference to the day-to-day running of these centres. Caroll and her team do outstanding work in this regard so they are the perfect organisation to partner with.”
