Yondela Tweta from Umncedi, Mikhulu Child Development Trust and Flourish with YouTuber and special guest Ntombebongo Peteni who shared stories with little ones.

Moms and tots learned how song and dance helps young children’s language to develop well at a workshop in Khayelitsha.

About sixty mothers and their young children from educare centres in the are took part in the Zazi - Know Yourself sing- and read-along workshop at Isivivane Centre on Saturday.

The workshop was conducted by a children’s content creator Ntombebongo Peteni of Multilingual Minds. The YouTuber led the group through educational interactive activities.

The Zazi - Know Yourself Sing/Read-Along concept is designed for caregivers of babies and toddlers to help them nurture their children's language skills through play.

“This event focussed on helping young children and caregivers discover the joy of language, while engaging with themes of self-love, cultural pride, and diversity,” said Sis Bongo.

Caregivers and partners from Nal’ibali, Umncedi, Mikhulu Child Development Trust and Flourish and Embrace Movement took part in the event.

Embrace Movement leader, Julie Mentor, said they were excited to bring parents and children together to learn, laugh, and celebrate the power of language.

“We’re proud to be partnering with Sis Bongo, South Africa’s very own ‘Miss Rachel’, who reminds us that embracing who we are and where we come from is the greatest gift we can give our children,” she said.

Mentor added that they are supporting organisations in promoting the importance of early language development, particularly in home languages like isiXhosa and Afrikaans.

“Research shows that children who develop strong language skills early are more likely to succeed in school and beyond. This event celebrates the essential role families play in fostering a love for language, culture and learning,” she concluded.

Kaathima Ebrahim, chief executive officer at the Mikhulu Trust said some of the mothers taking part had previously participated in their Book-sharing for Families course, where caregivers learned how to use wordless books to support their children’s early development.

“Others have participated in our Nurturing Family Centres, where caregivers come to spend time together with their young children. At the centre, caregivers participate in facilitated discussions, share personal experiences with each other, and receive support from a qualified social worker,” said Miss Ebrahim.

Kwanda Ndoda, project lead at Umncedi, said the importance of providing opportunities for parents and caregivers to engage in activities that seek to develop children such as reading or play was great.

“Umncedi appreciates the important role of parents in the development of children. Parents are the first teachers and gatherings like this create a community of practice where a sense of connection to others is fostered and best practice can be modelled,” said Ndoda.

Abongile Solani from Sunrise Educare Centre in Site B said she found the event very educational.

“We enjoyed it like we were kiddies ourselves. It keeps their minds active and engaged,” said Ms Solani.

Asanda Tshendu of Iphupha Lam said the event was beneficial to all the children.