Madam Deputy Speaker, an early childhood development initiative in Mpumalanga, Daantjie Trust, near Nelspruit, has received a much-needed boost of R400 000. The money, which was given to the Ntataise Lowveld Trust during a function at the Sacred Heart Preschool, forms part of Absa Bank's initiative to uplift the communities in which it operates.
This grant is aimed at empowering and equipping women in the community with the knowledge and skills needed to ensure that they provide the best foundation to the children in their care. About 50 early childhood development practitioners, who reach more than 2 500 children, will benefit from this contribution because the money will be used to train them through the Ntataise Lowveld Trust. Upon completion of the training the practitioners will receive a national certificate which will enable them to run their centres as small businesses. This programme complements the ANC government's resolve to train and employ 15 000 trainers per annum and strengthen support for crches and preschools in rural villages and urban centres, and it should be emulated in other areas.
The ANC-led government is committed to introducing a sustainable early childhood education system that spans both the public and private sectors and gives children a head start in numeracy and literacy. I thank you.