BRIDGE held its first PLAY focused Special Interest Group (SIG) session on Thursday 02 February 2023, which highlighted the need for collaboration by hosting a group of Early Childhood Dev Read more
Our final WC M&E CoP took place on the 17 November 2022. We were excited to meet face to face after a long time since Covid. We were hosted by Allan Gray Orbis Foundation & Anniza De Wet was our facilitator from Read more
Our own research as a sector and evidence through the schooling system indicates that qualifications are not necessarily the main contributor to quality early learning and education outcomes. A Read more
On the 15th October 2022, the BRIDGE KZN ECD CoP members joined a convening that aimed to strengthen collaboration in the province. These organisations are also part of the BRIDGE KZN CoP and requested BRIDGE to support Read more
The Mpumalanga CoP facilitated by Penreach and BRIDGE aimed to explore how sustainability of ECD programmes can be achieved given the difficult socio-economic  and legislative environment that ECD programmes operate i Read more
It is well known and understood that collaboration is a key driver in advancing true reform in the education space but it can be difficult to achieve and this is due to an array of challenges and barriers brought on by n Read more
The BRIDGE Western Cape M&E CoP took place on the 18th August 2022 with the main focus being Evaluative Thinking. The presenter, Mark Abrahams, provided us with valuable information around this topic. Read more
“In South Africa, many families are not made up of a typical nuclear family structure. According to the General Household Survey 2019, 33% of children below the age of 17 live with both parents. 42 % live with the moth Read more
This Meeting Highlights report captures the presentations and discussions of the National CoP meeting that took place on 29 May 2018. The meeting involved presentations by Penreach, as well as a session on M&E led by Read more
The BRIDGE M&E National CoP (July 2022) focused on different aspects of data visualisation through two masterclass sessions on the topic. The presenters, Data Innovators and Khulisa Management Services, gave wide ran Read more
Patricia Maphungela, responsible for General Education and Training. (GET) at Ehlanzeni District gave an update on the function shift as it pertains to the province of Mpumalanga. She focused on ECD 0-4 centres who facil Read more
The Zero Draft Quality Assurance Support System (QASS) - a model that outlines a potential quality assurance process that can be implemented alongside ECD programme registration was presented by Ilifa Labantwana. Accordi Read more
TICZA CoP 7 reported on the progress and outputs of the working group. The CoP also provides a forum for sharing updates on critical issues in the teacher education and development space. To this end, CoP 7 hosted two pr Read more
Jessica Horler presented on some principles and ideas of M&E in early learning programmes, using an outcome evaluation by SmartStart as a case study. Dr Jan Schenk took participants through the ECD census data, whic Read more
The CoP consisted of a showcase by Angela Larkan from Thanda, an organisation that supports a rural community in Herbedeen KZN through innovative solutions including agricultural and educational support and a presentatio Read more
The 1st WC M&E CoP for 2022. The aim of the CoP was to come together as a network to share resources and collectively work together to achieve change by influencing the sophistication of M&E in the Western Cape. Read more
'Doing Data Better' explored data management from strategic and practical perspectives. The CoP included presentations and discussions, three practical skills demonstrations related to data collection, capturing and proc Read more
BRIDGE in partnership with the Lego Foundation facilitated a webinar looking at the practice of learning through play in different contexts. We explored how learning through play is facilitated for caregivers, ECD practi Read more
The MP ECD CoP which is hosted by BRIDGE and Penreach invited the Real Reform Campaign to share about the #MakeLocalGovernmentWorkForECD campaign. Practitioners were educated about how they could start to engage local co Read more
This event sought to deepen understanding of the crisis of school dropout and its causes, and shared strategies and resources to assist schools to identify and support at-risk learners and strengthen the parent-education Read more
In this CoP, Leisel du Plessis, Senior Project Manager responsible for the management of special needs housing and ECD programmes at Project Preparation Trust (PPT), a registered trust and NPO, engaged participants on th Read more
Collaboration of ECD Networks produced a document that provides some input and recommendations into a human resource development strategy. Read more
The current discourse in education, brought by the pandemic, has resulted in trauma affecting both the teachers and learners. This Coalition meeting highlighted some of the ways in which schools have used self-directed p Read more
Collaboration of ECD Networks produced a document that provides some input and recommendations into a human resource development strategy. Read more
BRIDGE, in collaboration with DGMT and the LEGO Foundation, are excited to announce a knowledge product (KP): Parenting Programmes in Early Childhood Development. If you are an organisation trying to integrate or strengt Read more
This CoP will explored advocacy for STEAM and 21st century learning, as it relates to making use of ICT in rural and under-resourced communities and schools. Read more
This event brought together our different perspectives as well as our common learnings in wide ranging and fruitful discussions. We appreciate your deep engagement and willingness to share expertise, insights and concern Read more
The education system faces several issues that affect teachers, learners and school leaders. It is essential for the various stakeholders in education to be interconnected and interdependent. For that reason, the theme â Read more
The BRIDGE ECD and M&E combined CoP that focused on nutrition took place on the 21st October 2021. The CoP provided a platform where participants were challenged to demystify nutrition data and its use. A showcase on Read more
The BRIDGE ECD CoP has embraced the idea of bringing parents and families closer to the provincial and national CoPs throughout the year. We have learned quite a lot and have engaged people working in other important sp Read more
On the 7th of September, BRIDGE hosted a Parenting Young Children (0-5) Seminar. In an effort to understand more about what parent support looks like or should look like, the agenda included presentations and perspective Read more
Ryne Anthony, a Former 8th Grade science teacher and Ed. Tech Coach and is passionate about creating innovative learning spaces and the experiences that take place in them. He is currently Read more
This as an update on the QRT which aims to mainly share BRIDGE's QRT feedback model and invite others to share feedback on the use of the tool with us and to also inform and remind ECD stakeholders of this very useful re Read more
The 17th Principals Upfront dialogue explored the utility of adaptive leadership in times of crisis. Dr Brian Chinsamy (Trustee of the Early Care Foundation) gave an overview of current circumstances, the place of adapti Read more
This is a consolidation of the coordination experience in KZN where needs were identified by the KZN ECD non-profits and funders respectively. This document also contains some reflections and lessons learned. Read more
The ‘Post School Education and Training Collaboration and Learning Opportunities for the Utilisation of Data’ (PSET CLOUD) project provided the context for exploring the uses of scenarios and scenario planning method Read more
The W.C M&E CoP in partnership with SAMEA convened on 01 July 2021 to explore Rapid M&E Appraisal, its benefits during times of crises and how it can be introduced into your organisation's M&E framework. This Read more
The MP ECD CoP looked into the attendance of children in ECD programmes as it had earlier been identified that ECD programmes were not accommodating as many children even though the sector had been reopened. There was al Read more
This STEAM CoP explored approaches to implementing STEAM, and what to consider when setting up STEAM spaces. Planning, collaboration, and creativity are vital. Read more
The CoP focused on the Project for Inclusive Early Childhood Care and Education (PIECCE), which is a multi-stakeholder partnership between a number of universities and Resource and Training Organisations (RTOs) who devel Read more
The STEAM CoP explored using the arts to tackle challenges in science education. The meeting was also an opportunity to share the Penreach STEAM vision and journey, in the context of the Penreach Shalamuka STEAM Centre. Read more
The WC ECD CoP held a CoP to learn more about parenting programmes and to brainstorm how the CoP could find a way to elevate the role of parents in the sector. Read more
Dialogue 16, held on 14 April 2021, explored the challenges that arose during the 2020 school year, some key interventions to mitigate these challenges, the lessons that emerged, and how these lessons can be harnessed to Read more
We are currently running four ECD CoPs: GP (National) KZN, MP and WC. In the first quarter of the year, our CoP members have shared and learned together. This picture summarises a few of the learnings in the ECD CoPs . W Read more
Currently in its third year of a five year implementation, the BRIDGE-Standard Bank Tutuwa Community Foundation Programme has yielded a number of lessons. The Programme aims to improve learner outcomes by providing vario Read more
The CoP tackled questions about where we are in terms of nutrition for children and what is important for the ECD community to know as we have access to communities with young children as well as caregivers. Unfortunatel Read more
The Western Cape M&E CoP Convened on 23 March and unpacked the topic ' M&E in 2021'. Insights were shared by presenters Mark Abrahams, Senior M&E Consultant at Southern Hemisphere and Anniza Burnett Social Im Read more
NECT, on behalf of the DBE, will be hosting a dialogue on the Function Shift. The dialogue will serve as a platform for the Department of Basic Education to share the progress being made, and to receive inputs and advice Read more
The KZN ECD CoP had their first convening. This was an initial meeting to touch base with each other and understand what each of the CoP members are busy with and plans for the year. The CoP also discussed sectoral engag Read more
The first Mpumalanga ECD CoP of the year 2021, which is conducted through a partnership between BRIDGE and Penreach, took place on 4th March 2021. CoP members shared their experiences on a pertinent issue-ECD Employment Read more
Benita Williams from Benita Williams Evaluation gave examples of different evaluation types and methodologies, and discussed how these can best support curriculum recovery programmes. She discussed the pros and cons of Read more
Henre Benson from the Centre for the Advancement of Science and Mathematics and Education (CASME) discussed features of emergency short term projects aiming to address curriculum recovery, out Read more
Ursula Hoadley from the School of Education, University of Cape Town, shared research done in 2020 on school and learning time losses, and the implications of these on curriculum recovery. She focused on the areas of con Read more
The W.C Ecd CoP convened on 11 February, the conversation was guided by the topic ' The Sector in 2021' and the agenda touched on key  aspects, including feedback from the previous CoP meeting; The Presidential Stimul Read more
The onset of Covid-19 in 2020 fast-tracked the BRIDGE communities of practice (CoPs) into a virtual learning space. The move to online CoP events resulted in changes to our CoP methodology and Read more
The purpose of this CoP was two-fold: Reflect on approaches to building multi-stakeholder partnerships, as per the Do More Foundation’s Leave No Child Behind Initiative. Understand the Department of Social Developmentâ Read more
The 'Leave no Child Behind' initiative is geared towards the implementation of the National Integrated Early Childhood Development Policy (NIECDP) in Local Municipal Wards 16 and 19 of the Nkomazi Region, in Mpumalanga. Read more
Lizette Berry, a senior researcher from the Children’s Institute, briefly touched on the Children’s Act and explored some of the challenges affecting the ECD sector as a result of the Act. Read more
The National ECD CoP convened around the topic: ECD and the Law. The objective of the ECD CoP was to bring issues around the legal framework closer to the ECD CoP members so that they could better understand what the iss Read more
A Dialogue on school safety which outlined The National School Safety Framework. The dialogue looked at aspects of the CIE’s Building Peaceful Schools programme by highlighting the role of the school safety committee a Read more
When we look towards 2021, a major concern in education is the impact that learning losses and backlogs will have on new and returning learners at all levels of schooling. What does it mean for curriculum planning and pr Read more
Hassiena presented on the current realities regarding teachers in South Africa and highlighted the importance for teacher internships. We need more schools to grow their own teachers TOGETHER. Collaboration is essential! Read more
Judy Tate provided an update on The Extraordinary Leaders Development Programme from The South African Extraordinary Schools Coalition. A product of the Coalition administered by GTI and Khanyisa and supported by BRIDGE. Read more
Phadiela spoke about an induction programme to assist the new teachers that have started at her school, The Centre of Science and Technology (COSAT) in Khayelitsha which was especially difficult this year withe Covid-19 Read more
Making use of blended learning which an educational approach that combines online educational opportunities and materials with face-to-face classroom materials during Covid-19. Read more
This is a follow-up survey that looks into the plight of the ECD workforce during the C-19 pandemic. The survey indicates that in the period between August-September 2020, over 4500 ECD practitioners were still experienc Read more
The KZN ECD CoP explored how different ECD organisations and the respective programmes had made changes to cope with the pandemic and how the 'new normal' had come to be defined according to these organisations and progr Read more
Thandeka, the BRIDGE ECD CoP project manager provided an update of the National ECD CoP that took place in August 2020. Read more
The learning curve for online teaching and learning has been steep, and much has been learnt in a short while. People are now in a position to take stock of their experiences and evaluate some of the problems and opportu Read more
Khulisa (with partner Benita Williams Evaluation) conducted a Design and Implementation Evaluation of the Reading Support Project (RSP) on behalf of USAID Southern Africa. Comprising 263 schools and over 1500 teachers, t Read more
This was the first Mpumalanga ECD CoP and the focus was on the experiences of the ECD workforce since the reopening of ECD programmes/and or partial care facilities. CoP members shared some positive and negative impacts Read more
Due to the Covid-19 lockdown and the continuing prevalence of online meetings in preference to face-to-face meetings, we are all becoming accustomed to virtual engagements. But are we getting better at them, and are we g Read more
The aim of this National ECD CoP meeting was to understand what the ECD workforce was experiencing on the ground since the official reopening of the ECD programmes/facilities due to the COVID-19 lockdown. We have seen a Read more
Tshikululu Social Investors Mapping for Covid-19 initiatives Read more
This Principals Upfront webinar held on 22 July, 2020, explored how technology is enabling the GDE and school management teams (SMTs) to manage the system and provide sustainable remote learning to mitigate the impact of Read more
Many young trainee teachers never have the opportunity to talk about their lives or the obstacles that might stand in the way of their development as good teachers. This CoP explored an online group coaching model, focus Read more
The SAESC held its first online meeting in July 2020 and in keeping up with the times, it has embraced the use of many virtual technologies through the use of Mentimeter and Google Jamboards. Anthony Selly introduced the Read more
Judy Tate presented on how the Coalition has developed a programme to address what leadership will look like in the future. The programme is called The Extraordinary Leaders Development Programme from Th Read more
The Covid-19 pandemic has focussed attention on online education. This stimulating virtual session of BRIDGE’s Maths and Science Community of Practice engaged with two presenters who are working in this space. Nonhlan Read more
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, students studying to become teachers continue to face challenges in relation to the teaching practice/ work integrated learning element of their studies. Over the past two CoP meetings Read more
This was the first joint Early Childhood Development and Early Grade Reading Community of Practice that BRIDGE has hosted. Covid-19 has disrupted our sense of normality; with this in mind, the purpose of this meeting was Read more
As education stakeholders continue to grapple with the impact of Covid-19 on schools and learners in all contexts, it is clear that reliable data is essential for making good decisions on how to address emerging challeng Read more
On the 21st May, the WC ECD CoP held a meeting to come with ideas around the reopening of ECD programmes. The CoP members took time to discuss their concerns around the issue of reopening and also identifying what ECD pr Read more
The objective of the meeting was to better understand what to expect under the Covid-19 circumstances so we can plan appropriately for the future and identify opportunities for ECD. It is believed that Covid-19 has most Read more
Covid-19 is not only posing risks and challenges to entrepreneurs and businesses but is creating opportunities as well. A key development has been the move towards greater digitization, even in non-technological contexts Read more
On the 7th May 2020. The WC ECD CoP held a meeting to understand what members had been doing with regards to COVID-19 challenges in the sector and province. A brief discussion was also held on navigating the reopening of Read more
To date there has been no communication regarding the re-opening of ECD sites under level 4 of lockdown. There are risks with both opening ECDs and keeping them closed. BRIDGE facilitated a CoP to get perspectives on mem Read more
SmartStart has analysed and documented a number of reopening scenarios and ECD programme modality analysis to identify risks, opportunities and mitigation risks around reopening of ECD programmes in the COVID context. Read more
SmartStart has analysed and documented a number of reopening scenarios and ECD programme modality analysis to identify risks, opportunities and mitigation risks around reopening of ECD programmes in the COVID context. Read more
The Covid-19 pandemic has deeply affected education across all sectors. This online meeting of the Initial Teacher Education Community of Practice explored its impact on teacher education programmes in higher education, Read more
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