Ward 73 enhances child safety through first aid training for ECD practitioners

Ward 73 facilitated first aid training for early childhood development (ECD) centres in the community.

Ward 73 councillor Eddie Andrews said this first aid training, which is in its second year, will equip  ECD practitioners with essential lifesaving skills and confidence to respond effectively to emergencies. 

The Ward 73 office procured the services of private first aid instructors through their ward allocation office, and this course ran from Monday, October 27, until Friday, November 7, at the Steurof Hall in Plumstead for ECDs from areas like Plumstead, Diep River, Bergvliet, and Constantia.

ECD centres like Gummi Bears, Little Angelz, Little Blossoms, Jacob’s Ladder, Honeycomb Preschool, and Montessori Primary attended this course.

Mr Andrews said ECD practitioners bear a critical responsibility to create safe, nurturing spaces for children.

“By graduating as certified first aiders, they are not only protecting lives but strengthening the quality of care within our community,” he said.

Mr Andrews said this training also laid the foundation for stronger collaboration among ECD centres in Ward 73. A WhatsApp group has been created to begin forming the Ward 73 ECD Forum, with support from the Community Arts and Culture Department, to coordinate resources, share expertise, and sustain ongoing development within the sector.

Mr Andrews encouraged all local ECD operators to participate in the forum once it is formally established.

“When ECD centres work together, we build a community of care - one where every child’s safety, growth, and potential are prioritised,” he said.