A three-day educational workshop in Orange Farm brought together 300 Early Childhood Development (ECD) principals, focusing on strengthening teaching approaches and introducing young children to foundational Maths and Science concepts. The Orange Farm Early Childhood Development Workshop took place from 26 to 28 October 2026 at the Orange Farm Community Hall in Extension 2, with 100 principals participating each day.
The programme was organised by the South African Institute for Principalship (SAIP), in collaboration with the University of Venda, the South African Council for Educators (SACE) and the South African Institute of Physics. The workshop was facilitated by Dr S Mulaudzi, who served as the master of ceremonies. The programme opened with a prayer, followed by welcoming remarks and an explanation of the workshop’s objectives by Prof. E. Maluta from SAIP and Mrs Lorato Duma, founder of Lusemanzi ECD.
Dr Sophie Mulaudzi introduced the guest speaker before Prof. S.A. Mulovhedzi led several sessions focusing on preschool management, resource development, practical activities and demonstrations, and assessment in early childhood development. One of the key highlights was the practical demonstration session, during which Prof. Mulovhedzi guided participants through activities designed to help them introduce scientific concepts to young children in an engaging and accessible way. The training emphasised the importance of using practical learning experiences, exploration and play to develop children’s curiosity, problem-solving abilities and interest in Maths and Science from an early age.
Ward Councillor Simon Molefe also addressed participants, highlighting the importance of establishing a strong educational foundation during children’s formative years. Molefe emphasised that the way children are introduced to learning at an early age can influence their future academic development. He encouraged greater involvement in teaching scientific subjects and welcomed the role played by institutions of higher learning in bringing knowledge and educational opportunities closer to communities. He also expressed appreciation to the universities and participating organisations for investing in education and supporting those responsible for shaping young children’s learning experiences.
The programme included networking opportunities, discussions and a question-and-answer session, allowing participants to engage with facilitators and exchange ideas. Pre- and post-evaluation exercises were also conducted to assess the workshop. The three-day initiative reached 300 principals, with 100 attending each day, marking an important investment in strengthening early childhood education in Orange Farm and promoting a stronger foundation in Maths and Science among young learners.
