KEYNOTE ADDRESS:

Dr Janeli Kotze (Acting Director: ECD Directorate, Department of Basic Education)

Dr. Kotze underscored the pivotal role that resource and training organisations and NGOs played in delivering quality early childhood development (ECD). She recognised that these organisations were instrumental in making universal access to ECD a reality, emphasising that their daily efforts were critical to this cause.

Dr. Kotze spoke fervently about the shared responsibility of achieving universal access to quality ECD. She stressed that while the government had a clear and essential role, it could not succeed in isolation. Collaboration with NGOs and other organisations was not just important, but necessary. She underscored the need for these groups to work together, share knowledge, and support each other, all with the common goal of providing the best possible outcomes for children.

The keynote address concluded on a hopeful note, with Dr. Kotze encouraging attendees to celebrate their achievements, learn from one another's successes, and work together to solve ongoing challenges. She expressed her eagerness to hear about the innovative solutions and ideas that would be generated from the conference discussions and wished everyone a productive and inspiring day. Her message was a clear call to action, reinforcing the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving universal access to quality ECD.

Please follow link for full report: NECDA Post-Conference & Gala Dinner Report