True North believes that every child can shine. Since 2007, the organisation has been instrumental in constructing a robust ECD ecosystem reaching 2,000 children across 33 early learning programmes in Vrygrond, an informal settlement in Cape Town.
The organisation’s ELOM assessments, using the ELOM 4&5 Years Assessment Tool, have revealed school readiness levels on a par with those in much more privileged areas. Project Director Leigh Morrison took time to share her insights and explain why their colourful ‘rainbow’ approach has been so successful.
A Framework for Excellence
True North’s Rainbow Development Framework, shown below, is a progressive journey developed over several years in collaboration with local principals.
The initial baseline assessment places each preschool in a colour category, starting at violet. The assessment encompasses five crucial outcomes:
- Legal: working towards becoming a legally registered preschool;
- Financial Viability: maximising financial potential while considering the child-to-space ratio;
- Quality: implementing a quality early development programme that effectively prepares children for Grade R;
- Holistic Leadership Development for principals;
- Giving Back: cultivating a culture of gratitude and paying it forward.
As schools advance towards each of these outcomes, they transition through the rainbow spectrum. To date, seven schools have successfully graduated and are now classified as ‘red schools of excellence.’
Measuring Quality
True North opted to use ELOM’s 4 & 5 Years Assessment tool to evaluate the ‘Quality’ outcome for several reasons:
- accuracy;
- independence and an objective, external perspective;
- programme-focused assessment, rather than individual children;
- identification of which domains may need more training, support or resources.
The results have been highly encouraging; “The children in our red ECD centres are as ready for Grade R as children in quintiles 4 and 5,” says Leigh.
Success Factors
Leigh says many factors have contributed to these exceptional results.
Collaboration has been key. Many specialist partner organisations are involved. “We are a co-ordinating organisation. We work directly with school principals and partner organisations. We don’t usually run trainings ourselves, but we do bring training opportunities, resources and specialist support to a community which has historically been denied these.”
Being part of the community is another major element: “We are based in the heart of Vrygrond and see what is needed. This enables us to connect real needs with relevant, interested organisations.”
“Because we’re within walking distance of the schools, our facilities are accessible. Principals can pop in for training, meetings or just because they need some encouragement or support. Many say this is their safe space.”
Giving back is integral to the approach. “Participating schools are encouraged to give to one another. When they graduate, our red schools make a written commitment of what they will contribute”.
“It’s this sense of being part of an ECD community that makes it work so well.”
Going Beyond Vrygrond
True North is working on sharing their Rainbow Development Framework model to help other communities benefit from what they have learned in Vrygrond.
“If we want to see a better South Africa, we need to nurture and develop all our young children. Not just those who can afford it.”
To connect with True North or find out more visit https://www.true-north.co.za/ or email Leigh at leigh@true-north.co.za.
All photos in this post are property of True North.
