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Blog

KILT & KET Unite for Knysna’s Children: The Grade R School Readiness Project

The Grade R Project Team: Elizabeth Normand (KET); Buyiswa Mabele (KET); Angelina Smith (KET); Lynn Stoker (KILT); Sandy Ueckermann (KILT); Marilyn River (KET); Chaney Quine (KET)

Since 2022, KET and KILT have been working closely at Melrose House, a historic building on Queen Street, united by a shared vision to transform the educational landscape for Knysna’s children. Their joint efforts focus on creating a “cradle to career” support system, ensuring that every child in Knysna has access to quality education from preschool through high school and beyond.

In early 2024, this vision gained new momentum with the formal launch of the Grade R School Readiness Project. This initiative strengthens the collaboration between KILT and KET, building on the strong foundation established in 2023 when the two organisations began exploring ways to enhance educational continuity and success for Knysna’s youth.

KILT is contributing funding to enhance professional development for teachers and to provide essential resources, while KET’s Preschool Area Leads (PALS) implement the project. Selected for their expertise in Early Childhood Development, the PALS conduct onsite visits to each preschool, offering teacher training, tailored support and curriculum enhancement.

 Why Focus on Grade R?

Grade R, or the Reception Year, is a crucial preparatory phase before schooling begins in Grade 1. Mastery of key foundational skills during this year is essential for a smooth transition to primary education. However, many children face challenges due to their socio-economic environment, crowded spaces and lack of resources, which can hinder their progress from the start.

 To address these challenges, the Grade R School Readiness Project focuses on several key areas:

  • Teacher Development: Training and mentoring educators to provide the best possible learning environments for Grade R children.
  • Parental Involvement: Offering practical strategies for teachers to engage with parents on how to reinforce learning at home.
  • Educational Resources: Providing age-appropriate educational equipment to create an engaging and supportive learning environment.
Packing 600 puzzles for distribution

Making a Difference

The impact of this initiative is already evident. Of the 64 early childhood development (ECD) facilities supported by KET, 34 are now better equipped to serve the 6-7-year-old children enrolled in their Grade R programmes. Over 335 children from Knysna’s most disadvantaged communities have benefited from this enhanced support.

Our ambitious goal is to ensure that 90% of children are school-ready. We eagerly await the results of the ELOMR assessment, which will offer insights into progress made and guide improvements for the 2025 cohort.

Looking Ahead

The Grade R School Readiness Project represents a significant step forward in KILT and KET’s mission to empower every child in Knysna. With ongoing support and collaboration, we are committed to building a brighter future and setting our children on a path to success.