ECD Caregivers Celebrate Graduation After Achieving NQF Level 5 Certificates

ECD caregivers from across the North West Province were all smiles on Friday as they celebrated their graduation at the Rio Casino in Klerksdorp after successfully obtaining their NQF Level 5 certificates in teaching learners with severe special needs.

The joyful ceremony, hosted by the North West Department of Education, marked a major milestone in the careers of 46 dedicated caregivers who provide essential care and education to children with severe special needs.

Speaking at the event, Education MEC Viola Motsumi congratulated the graduates for their resilience, compassion, and commitment to improving the quality of education for vulnerable learners.

“Caregivers work with learners who are most vulnerable and often regarded as ineducable. Some cannot move or feed themselves, while others are incontinent. Many parents also struggle to care for these children,” said MEC Motsumi. “It is without any doubt that your determination and effort have made you proud. You have achieved something truly remarkable.”

Motsumi applauded the caregivers for their dedication to lifelong learning, especially those who began their journey without a matric certificate.

“I would like to congratulate all the ECD practitioners who have graduated with the NQF Level 5 certificates. Many of you started this work without a matric, but through perseverance you obtained one — and now you hold a post-matric qualification. This achievement will empower you to provide quality education and care to learners who need it most,” she said.

Encouraging the graduates to continue learning, Motsumi added: “Education is the key to success. This is only the beginning — if you continue to work hard, more certificates will follow. These qualifications will help strengthen early childhood education in our province.”

Reflecting on the training programme, MEC Motsumi shared that 52 caregivers had initially registered, but six were unable to submit their Portfolios of Evidence. “As a result, 46 caregivers from the four districts received their certificates today. We are confident that the remaining six will complete their work and graduate soon,” she said.