A recent global survey has highlighted that many South African children are starting primary school without being developmentally prepared, putting them at a disadvantage compared to their peers worldwide.
Conducted by the global children's charity Theirworld in partnership with Hall & Partners, the survey questioned nearly 2,600 teachers and school professionals across South Africa, the UK, the US, Brazil, India, and the Netherlands. The results indicate that 38% of South African primary school teachers believe that most children lack the necessary developmental skills when beginning school. Only 24% of teachers think that at least 80% of their students can perform basic educational tasks, such as recognizing letters or numbers, or identifying simple words, including their own name.
The survey also found that many South African children struggle with basic self-care skills. Only 25% of teachers believe that 80% or more of their students can manage tasks like using the toilet independently or washing their hands.
This developmental gap is exacerbated by South Africa's insufficient investment in early childhood development (ECD), which is critical during the first five years of life when 90% of a child's brain develops. Justin van Fleet, President of Theirworld, emphasized the urgent need for increased support and funding for ECD programs. He stressed that early childhood education is crucial for setting a strong foundation for learning and future success.
Theirworld is calling on the South African government, donors, and businesses to prioritize early childhood education by providing necessary funding to support high-quality care and pre-school programs. This investment is essential for ensuring that all children are prepared to thrive in their educational journey and future careers.
