Nursery World - Unlocking the future

All services in a fast-changing country are becoming aware of how they must co-operate and embrace new ideas for the sake of young children, says Helen Penn The South African Department of Education has just held a major conference on early childhood development in Johannesburg, called 'Unlocking the Future'. The conference was held to review progress in the ten years since the end of apartheid, and to consult about policies for the next ten years.

The South African Department of Education has just held a major conference on early childhood development in Johannesburg, called 'Unlocking the Future'. The conference was held to review progress in the ten years since the end of apartheid, and to consult about policies for the next ten years.

About 500 people were invited to the conference - education, health and local government officials; teachers and teacher-trainers, health workers, voluntary organisations, private sector creche owners, trade unionists and academics. There was a small contingent from abroad, mainly from other African countries.

Conferences in Africa, especially in South Africa, are much more lively affairs than in countries like the UK. Many delegates wear brightly coloured traditional clothes and head-dresses, and song and dance are an essential part of the proceedings.

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