Our Establishment
Our Establishment
Background of Early Childhood Education in South Africa
Prior to the establishment of SARAECE, the ECE field was highly fragmented and represented by small interest groups without a unified voice or vision. There was also a dearth of research in the field to inform both ECE and the education of teachers for ECE. Universities worked in isolation from each other. Teacher education programmes were often criticized for not being fully responsive to the need for teachers to work in multiple, diverse South African education contexts. There was an urgent need for an inclusive association with a strong research base and focus that would be able to lead and represent the field in a purposeful manner.
Background of Early Childhood Education in South Africa
Prior to the establishment of SARAECE, the ECE field was highly fragmented and represented by small interest groups without a unified voice or vision. There was also a dearth of research in the field to inform both ECE and the education of teachers for ECE. Universities worked in isolation from each other. Teacher education programmes were often criticized for not being fully responsive to the need for teachers to work in multiple, diverse South African education contexts. There was an urgent need for an inclusive association with a strong research base and focus that would be able to lead and represent the field in a purposeful manner.
The idea to form an ECE research, training, and development association was introduced at an international ECD conference hosted by NWU in February 2011. DHET representatives, noting alignment with their EU-funded “Strengthening Foundation Phase Teacher Education” project, supported the proposal. A national workshop was held on 11 May 2011 in Johannesburg, attended by 16 university representatives, who unanimously endorsed the initiative. Resolutions included appointing a task team, led by Dr Ona Janse van Rensburg (NWU), to develop a concept paper and draft constitution, and to establish links with the SAJCE journal as a research platform. These documents were circulated, discussed, and refined at LEWS 2011, where a founding committee was elected to lead the association until its formal launch in February 2014.
The Birth of an Idea for an Association
Our Logo
Farah Aria is the illustrator behind our first logo, which reflects her signature style of celebrating childhood, diversity, and joy through whimsical imagery. Known for her vibrant, multicultural artwork, Farah brings a sense of warmth and inclusivity to her designs. The logo captures these themes through playful characters and expressive detail, embodying her belief in art that speaks to both children and the child within. Her use of bold lines and rich, jewel-toned colours adds a distinctive charm, making the logo both visually engaging and meaningful.
The Birth of an Idea for an Association
The idea to form an ECE research, training, and development association was introduced at an international ECD conference hosted by NWU in February 2011. DHET representatives, noting alignment with their EU-funded “Strengthening Foundation Phase Teacher Education” project, supported the proposal. A national workshop was held on 11 May 2011 in Johannesburg, attended by 16 university representatives, who unanimously endorsed the initiative. Resolutions included appointing a task team, led by Dr Ona Janse van Rensburg (NWU), to develop a concept paper and draft constitution, and to establish links with the SAJCE journal as a research platform. These documents were circulated, discussed, and refined at LEWS 2011, where a founding committee was elected to lead the association until its formal launch in February 2014.
Our Logo
Farah Aria is the illustrator behind our first logo, which reflects her signature style of celebrating childhood, diversity, and joy through whimsical imagery. Known for her vibrant, multicultural artwork, Farah brings a sense of warmth and inclusivity to her designs. The logo captures these themes through playful characters and expressive detail, embodying her belief in art that speaks to both children and the child within. Her use of bold lines and rich, jewel-toned colours adds a distinctive charm, making the logo both visually engaging and meaningful.
Our Constitution
SARAECE is a dynamic research association committed to advancing ECE in South Africa for children from birth to nine years. Our mission is to promote excellence in ECE through research, research capacity development, teacher education, and the overall development of the ECE sector. SARAECE recognises the unique contextual realities of ECE in South Africa and adopts a trans-disciplinary and multi-sectoral approach to address research, policy, and practice needs. We aim to advance the field of early childhood research by embracing innovative ideas while preserving and promoting the rich tradition of African early childhood thought.
The Birth of an Idea for an Association
The idea to form an ECE research, training, and development association was introduced at an international ECD conference hosted by NWU in February 2011. DHET representatives, noting alignment with their EU-funded “Strengthening Foundation Phase Teacher Education” project, supported the proposal. A national workshop was held on 11 May 2011 in Johannesburg, attended by 16 university representatives, who unanimously endorsed the initiative. Resolutions included appointing a task team, led by Dr Ona Janse van Rensburg (NWU), to develop a concept paper and draft constitution, and to establish links with the SAJCE journal as a research platform. These documents were circulated, discussed, and refined at LEWS 2011, where a founding committee was elected to lead the association until its formal launch in February 2014.
About SARAECE
SARAECE is a research association that promotes research and research development in the field of early childhood education (ECE), including teacher education and development for ECE.
Our Links
Our Recent Posts
Contact Us
About SARAECE
SARAECE is a research association that promotes research and research development in the field of early childhood education (ECE), including teacher education and development for ECE.