13 Mar NLB receives nearly 4 000 requests to fund Early Childhood Development initiatives

PRESS STATEMENT

10 March 15

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Following the call by the National Lotteries Board (NLB) for organisations involved in Early Childhood Development to apply for funding, the NLB is pleased to report that nearly 4 000 applications have been received, says NLB Chief Executive Charlotte Mampane.

Earlier this year, the NLB made a commitment to invest in early childhood development (ECD) initiatives.

The NLB recognizes that a weak foundation in early childhood development can seriously undermine the social and economic vitality of the nation. In a bid to address the educational and socio-economic gaps caused by inadequate investments, the NLB has cemented its commitment to investing in ECD initiatives and ensuring that such programmes become game-changers in the lives of many South Africa children, particularly in the poorest communities.

“We have received an overwhelming response from early childhood development centres across specific priority areas and organisations that advance rural, under-privileged and poor communities to support development in the 0-5 years age group,” says Mampane.

Mampane adds that a total of 3 706 applications were received, with Limpopo and Gauteng provinces topping the numbers of qualifying applications received.

“The NLB’s funding allocation is targeted towards infrastructure development projects for ECD centres in rural, disadvantaged areas that struggle to access the required funding and resources to provide young children in their communities with the necessary services they need,” reiterates Mampane.

Successful applications from established ECD centres are eligible to receive a maximum of R3.8-million for project management of new infrastructure over a period of two years.

The NLB is currently in the process of adjudicating the applications received from the recent call for applications in the Charities sector.

A total 45 percent of the nearly R2-billion of the annual funding pool is set aside for charities across the country. This represents the largest share of funds available to the NLB for distribution to qualifying organisations.

ENDS

For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact Ms Odaho Sengani: Senior Communications Officer on 012 432 1506 / 083 753 6968 or e-mail Odaho@nlb.org.za.