[ad_1]
The ECD Stimulus Relief Fund makes R496 million available to assist ECD facilities affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Matthew Horwood / Getty Images
- The Department of Social Development has extended the deadline for applications for aid funding.
- The ECD Stimulus Relief Fund makes R496 million available to assist ECD facilities affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
- The department had also made available to NGOs and youth officials to assist those struggling with the application process.
Applications for aid funds for early childhood development (ECD) centers have been extended, allowing directors another week to apply for a share of the 496 million rand.
The Department of Social Development announced that the deadline for submitting applications for the Stimulus Relief Fund for DPI had been extended until Friday, February 26. The previous deadline was Friday, February 19.
The application process was opened on February 5, with the fund of 496 million rand established to help ECD facilities, including day care centers, day care services and day care centers, which were badly affected by the Covid- pandemic. 19.
Many of these facilities were unable to open for months due to government regulations. After the reopening, many students did not return due to financial constraints at home.
However, the department was criticized for the application process, when the Basic Education and ECD Working Group of the C-19 Popular Coalition requested an extension.
READ: C-19 Coalition pushes for last minute extension for early childhood center relief funds
C-19 spokeswoman Colleen Daniels-Horswell said two weeks was not enough for ECD school principals to submit applications and many were struggling to navigate the application process.
It added that as of Monday, only 9,717 of the 29,836 ECD directors / owners who had started the application process had successfully completed their applications.
The application process needed to be streamlined, Daniels-Horswell said, as the digital platform on which directors had to apply made the process difficult for those without computer skills.
Social development spokesperson Lumka Oliphant said that as an additional support mechanism, the department, in partnership with the DG-Murray Trust, had made available a number of non-governmental organizations and more than 2,000 Harambee youth support services available to help with the application process.
“The provincial departments of social development through their local offices are also available to assist ECD services throughout the country. Any ECD service that requires such assistance can visit their local social development offices.
“Also, you can email [email protected] or contact the call center on 0800 089 666 and support will be provided. A list of NGO coordinators is posted on the DSD website that it can be accessed at www.dsd.gov.za, “Oliphant said.
