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In August, 67 early childhood development (ECD) practitioners across Knysna and Sedgefield proudly completed their accredited First Aid Level 1 Training and Basic Firefighting – a milestone that brings peace of mind to families and strengthens the foundation of safe learning spaces in our communities. 

Our initial goal was to ensure at least one trained practitioner in every facility. With B. Braun Medical (Pty) Limited’s contribution towards skill development, we were able to fund 57 participants.

“It is very beneficial and important to have a trained first aid practitioner at our facility. So if we have any incident, the practitioner will know which procedure to follow” said Principal Elizabeth from Happy Faces Educare.

Many centres recognised the value of having more than one qualified staff member and chose to invest in sending additional practitioners at their own expense. This collective effort brought the total number trained to 67 – proof of the dedication our ECD facilities have to the wellbeing of children.

First aid is more than a certificate on the wall. It’s the difference between panic and calm in the face of an accident. In busy early learning centres, where scraped knees, bumps, and unexpected emergencies are part of daily life, having a practitioner who knows exactly what to do can save lives.

“We take first aid seriously in our school as we once had a child who was choking and the Heimlich Maneuver saved that child” said Principal Michelle from Lithemba Educare.

Beyond emergencies, this training also helps centres meet Health & Safety compliance requirements – a crucial step towards official registration. Registration, in turn, opens access to government funding and paves the way for long-term sustainability. In this way, each practitioner’s qualification represents not just immediate safety, but also a brighter, more secure future for their centre.

Together, we are building a region where every child learns in an environment that is safe, nurturing, and prepared.