Annual Review 2023
The Learning Initiative (TLI) recognised and addressed this increasing risk in impoverished communities by developing two holistic Early Learning Programmes (ELPs) to better prepare 4- to 6-year-old children for formal schooling. Since inception in 2016, the Step Up (SU) and Blocks4Growth (B4G) programmes have reached a total 12,479 children across two provinces. This report will focus on operations and results achieved in the Western Cape in 2023. TLI implements and administers both SU and B4G in and around Cape Town, whereas the team at Knysna Education Trust (KET) is responsible for the implementation of B4G in the Garden Route.
2,540 children 2 were screened at the beginning of 2023, of which 1,814 children 3 were selected for either bi-weekly group therapy or individual sessions. Where necessary, children who needed additional assistance were referred to specialised therapy or treatment. In 2023, therapists identified and referred 68 children 4. Complimentary to therapist-child intervention, the programmes acknowledge the critical role of both
parents and practitioners. To that end, therapists joined practitioners at parent meetings for an opportunity to discuss concerns, ideas and progress. In 2023, a total of 1,721 parents 5 attended parent meetings. In addition, 1,152 parents 6 attended parent observation sessions to gain a deeper understanding of their child’s developmental needs, whilst aquiring knowledge and ideas to stimulate their children at home.
Parent-child interaction was encouraged further through homework books, whilst a total of 10,699 stimulation packs were distributed in 2023, of which 8,800 by TLI and 1,899 by KET. In acknowledgement of parents’ emotional burden, a parent wellness book with tips on self care and behaviour management was included in each stimulation pack.
