Inclusive ECDE Project

Portfolio Details

Promoting Inclusion in Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE)

The Inclusive Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) Project was implemented by the Southern Africa Federation of the Disabled (SAFOD) with funding from the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA).

Problem Statement

SAFOD is a leading Southern African disability-focused network engaged in the coordination of activities of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in Southern Africa. In most of the countries, where SAFOD worked, either its affiliate federations or at least some of their member OPDs had been implementing Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) programmes on the ground.

Yet, it was noted that there was a strong correlation between CBR and inclusive ECDE. Therefore, SAFOD sought to turn this theory into practice by embarking on this inclusive ECDE project.

Solution

The project started in 2017 with the aim of strengthening the capacity of OPDs and other community structures working in CBR programmes in three countries, namely Mozambique, Lesotho, and Zambia.

Through this project, SAFOD supported its national affiliate OPDs in the above-mentioned countries in increasing access to quality ECDE services for children with Special Needs Education (SEN).

Specifically, the project sought to achieve the following objectives:

Later, in 2019, based on the successes and lessons drawn from the three countries, the project was scaled up to focus on the development and advocacy of a regional inclusive ECDE strategy for the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC).

The regional activities included hiring a consultant to draft the regional strategy; organising regional consultation meetings with key stakeholders working in the ECD and education sectors in the region, and holding validation workshops. among other things.

My Roles and Responsibilities

Developing a comprehensive project plan outlining the scope, objectives, timelines, resources, and budget.
Collaborating with stakeholders, including SAFOD, affiliate federations, and funding partners, to ensure a clear understanding of project goals and expectations.
Coordinating events related to the project, including communication facilitators of relevant training workshops on early identification of children with disabilities, as well as consultation workshop and a workshop to validate the draft Inclusive ECDE strategy.

Project Details

Start Date:

March 2016

End Date:

May 2021

Client/Employer:

SAFOD

Website:

www.safod.net

Talk to Me? Email here:

What do people say about me on my LinkedIn profile?

I worked with George on a multi-country 3-year project and he brought leadership, creativity and an incredible level of commitment to the work. His commitment to supporting the rights of people with disabilities across Southern Africa is evident in all his accomplishments. His project management, coordination, marketing, and outreach skills combined with his entrepreneurial mindset, make him a highly valuable team member on any project.

DR. REBECCA MATTER

Seattle, USA

I've worked with George for the last four years in his role as Director of Programmes at the Southern Africa Federation of the Disabled (SAFOD). He is a very capable manager, extremely hard working and takes a considered and reflective approach to all challenges. George is highly motivated and can be relied upon to deliver on any agreed tasks. George is a charismatic and very positive person who is always willing to listen to and help others.

DR. GEORGE TORRENS

London, United Kingdom

George is most likely one of the top professionals we have had to work with. George is extremely enthusiastic about his work which is infectious. He had the vision to see the benefits and the passion to turn that into a competitive advantage for SAFOD. George is an organized and customer-service-oriented perfectionist and has no problem working hard when necessary. He is always capable of adapting to new working environments.

MR. LAME MOAHI

Gaborone, Botswana

I have found George's work ethic to be a cut above the rest as he executes his professional work- this shows in the communication skills he possesses and the passion he has for projects that he manages and handles. He is a multi-tasker who juggles local regional work and international work (with a hectic travel schedule in between) and has proved to be a resourceful fundraiser for the projects and initiatives that we have been involved together with.

MR. SIMON MANDA

Johannesburg, South Africa