About us
ELRU™ is accredited by the ETDP SETA and has provisional registration with the Department of Education as a Further Education and Training college. This means that selected ELRU programmes have been approved by the official South African training authorities Umalusi and the ETDP SETA.
Since 1978, ELRU™ has worked with people in communities throughout Southern Africa towards the realisation of human potential. We believe that Early childhood is a critical period in education and that our children deserve the best opportunities possible. We make available research, information services and materials to support work with young children. Whilst we work within policy frameworks we believe it important to promote collaboration that can open access to services for all young children, and that can improve the quality of programmes.
Over 30 years we have played a key role in developing in-service training for those working in pre-school centres, crèches, playgroups and home based facilities. Strategies for both local and long distance service provision are continually improved to ensure outreach to marginalised children, for instance, in rural and very poor communities.
Through our anti-bias programme we promote practical skills for dealing with the long term undermining effects of oppression and support educators in the challenges of transformation by confronting beliefs, attitudes & practices which are oppressive.
Since 78% of young children under the age of 4 in South Africa are not in centres, we promote a family outreach approach for very poor communities which builds on what exists. We call this the Family and Community Motivator programme.
WHAT DOES ELRU™ OFFER?
Training programmes for those working in the ECD field
- Teacher trainers, community motivators & health educators
- Preschool educators of different backgrounds
- Parents and child minders
Research and materials
- Surveys, situation analyses and policy options
- Guides for trainers and teachers
- Anti bias and second language issues
- Basic health and nutrition programmes
- Materials for children – multi-lingual books and games
Diversity training
- Assistants to organisations in setting up training programmes
- Information and consultation
- Workshops and training
ELRU™ explores new initiatives and develops replicable and affordable strategies. ELRU™ is a not for profit organisation (NPO) administered by the Cape Educational Trust. It has Section 18A status under the Income Tax Act. NPO registration number: 003-285NPO. In addition, ELRU is registered in terms of the Companies Act as a Section 21 Company in order to comply with the requirements of the Further Education and Training Act.