07/10/2025
Siyalingana: Promoting Gender Equality in Early Childhood Development
Siyalingana is a transformative initiative by VVOB, supported by the Department of Basic Education, aimed at promoting gender equality in Early Childhood Development (ECD). Its purpose is to empower practitioners with gender-responsive pedagogy, ensuring that every child regardless of gender receives equitable, inclusive, and nurturing education from the very start.
Under the guidance of Ntataise, we proudly hosted the Siyalingana course across two municipalities: Dihlabeng and Nketoana. We enrolled 41 passionate ECD practitioners from Bethlehem, Petrus Steyn, Lindley, and Arlington. Through dedication and hard work, 38 of them successfully completed the course and earned their certificate of completion, along with 15 valuable SACE points.
Building on this momentum, 9 practitioners further enrolled in the Coordinating PLCs in Blended CPD course, where they received an additional certificate and 10 SACE points. Throughout the journey, we facilitated 4 Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), creating spaces for collaboration, reflection, and growth.
The course ran from April to August 2025, culminating in a heartfelt celebration on the 8th September 2025. During this event, we honored the achievements of our practitioners and reflected on the impact of the program. We were joined by esteemed guests including DBE officials, VVOB representatives, Ntataise, N5 resource Centre and community leaders(ECD matrons and Pastor) each adding their voice to the chorus of support for gender equality in ECD.
This journey was more than a course it was a movement. It was educating, empowering, and deeply inspiring. Practitioners walked away not only with certificates, but with renewed purpose and tools to create inclusive classrooms where every child can thrive.
# N5 resources centre
practitioners and ECD Managers