The excitement in the Mphalatsane Hall in Rammulotsi township in the Free State on Friday 2^nd August was palpable. The occasion… the graduation ceremony of 120 ECD Practitioners from ECD programmes and facilities in the northern Free State and North West province. Having successfully completed the 18 month Ntataise Further Education and Training Certificate (FETC): ECD Training and Support Programme, these practitioners were awarded an accredited ECD qualification at Level 4 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). It was a joyous occasion with nearly 200 guests including the graduates’ families and friends dancing and singing in celebration of their achievement.

A few of the graduates excitedly shared their experiences of the training, describing how they now have the knowledge, tools and support to provide quality ECD programmes in their playrooms and centres, most of which are situated in marginalised communities. In one of the graduate speeches, this practitioner shared how attaining the qualification has opened opportunities for further learning and development at higher levels. In her words: