Early childhood development is one of flagship projects of the bank. The DBSA sponsors an early childhood development programme, which includes educational infrastructure, comprising modified shipping containers or prefabricated structures, learning and playing equipment.
The DBSA proactively identified a need for ECD infrastructure in consultation with the Provincial Department of Education, engagements held with the school principals, school governing bodies and parents for three schools in the province of Limpopo.A suitable service provider appointed through the DBSA governance process and agreements for localisation reached out where possible, utilise local labour to provide employment to youth and exposure it to skills development.
The Bank delivered three ECDs consisting of prefabricated classrooms fully equipped with learner furniture, books and educational toys. The investment included a service centre consisting of a fully equipped kitchen with a gas stove, fridge, sink and cabinets and a sick bay with a three quarter size bed; an office with tables and chairs formed part of the ECD infrastructure sponsored to three schools in Sekhukhune, in Limpopo. Key to the infrastructure were safe ablution facilities for girls and boys, adapted for children with disabilites.
Whilst the infrastructure comes prepared, the contractor employed local youth in preparation of the site and guided them on how to install the structures. The classrooms come complete but the contractor employed local youth to prepare the site and assist with the installation of the structures. Community involvement fosters buy-in and a sense of ownership, enhancing the security of the assets.
The handover was done in a celebration event presided over by the MEC for Education in Limpopo and the DBSA Group Executive for the Infrastructure Delivery Division.