Cotlands is inviting corporates, individuals and running communities to take part in a fun race on Saturday, 14 March at the Johannesburg Zoo, in support of early childhood development for thousands of young, vulnerable children who don't have access to any early learning programme and need a strong start to their learning journeys.
The race will bring people together with a shared purpose: to invest in the early years of a child’s life, where the foundation for future learning, confidence and success is built. With the support of avid walkers and runners and purpose-driven partners, Cotlands aims to change the lives of vulnerable children by giving them access to quality, play-based early learning and a brighter future through education, says Cotlands.
This call to action comes at a critical moment in South Africa's education system. Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed that South Africa can achieve improved matric results by strengthening the early learning sector. He highlighted that investment in early childhood development (ECD) is essential to giving children a solid foundation to excel in later schooling years and beyond, adds Cotlands.
"If we want to improve matric results and truly make an impact and change the future of education in South Africa, we must start where learning begins, in the early years. Quality, play-based early learning gives children the foundation they need for success at school and in life. Investing in young children's education is not optional; it is essential. By entering the race, every participant becomes part of that investment, helping to shape brighter futures for our children. When we invest in them today, we are investing in the future that we will all share," says Dr Monica Stach, CEO of Cotlands.
Funds raised through the race will support Cotlands' Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Hubs. These hubs bring together centre-based playgroups, a learning-materials library that supports under-resourced ECD centres in surrounding communities, and a training centre offering skills-based and accredited training for ECD practitioners. Cotlands' ECCE hubs serve as centres of excellence, delivering quality early learning services that help reduce inequality, ignite potential and ensure young children are ready to learn when they enter formal schooling, adds Cotlands.
Cotlands is proud to partner with the Johannesburg Zoo, an iconic institution celebrating 122 years of conservation and wildlife protection. This partnership brings together two organisations committed to education, sustainability and building better futures for generations to come. Together with the Zoo, Cotlands is creating a family-friendly, impact-driven experience that raises awareness and funds for early learning, while celebrating the importance of wildlife and conservation, says Cotlands.
For more information, visit www.cotlands.org. You can also follow Cotlands on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or Instagram.
*Image courtesy of Facebook