Optimising Collaborations and Reducing Inequalities of Early Childhood Intervention in post-COVID-19 South Africa

Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) is widely recognised as key for positive development and health but also for economic growth, particularly when it abides to the principle of interdisciplinary collaboration. In South Africa, a developing country with nearly seven million children under six, of which two-thirds live in economically vulnerable households, ECI often falls short of true partnerships between sectors (health, education and the community of care), with implications on its effectiveness. With the COVID-19 outbreak these challenges are even greater. This project aims to contribute to optimise effectiveness and equality of collaborations in ECI in South Africa, considering new challenges brought by the COVID-19 outbreak. A nation-wide survey will be conducted, followed by focus groups and interviews with key ECI stakeholders (in education, health and community). ECI strategies for interdisciplinary collaboration will be tailored to these stakeholders’ needs and, supported by digital multimedia production, made accessible to all.

Dr Susana Castro-Kemp, Roehampton University; Dr Fatima Cassim, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Dr Alecia Samuels, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Professor Shakila Dada, University of Pretoria, South Africa