In this episode of Shapers, Benjamin Shaw sits down with Tessa Forman and Theresa Michael to look at the work of Afrika Tikkun Bambanani and the role of Early Childhood Development in building stronger foundations for children and communities.

Their conversation spans ECD, teacher development, curriculum, assessment, technology, leadership and sustainability, with a focus on supporting practitioners, principals and families in rural and township communities.

The episode also looks at how organisations can create lasting social impact by investing in people, strengthening centres and using innovation to improve access to quality early learning.

Presented by EXEO Capital

Shownotes:

Theresa Michael

Connect: LinkedIn

Job title: CEO – Afrika Tikkun Bambanani

Expertise: Early Childhood Development, Education, Leadership, Community Development, Child Development, Social Impact

Education: Marist Brothers Linmeyer

Professional Career:

1. Afrika Tikkun Bambanani – CEO; leads the organisation’s Early Childhood Development work and its focus on strengthening learning foundations for children in rural and underserved communities.
2. BambaLearn – Supports the use of educational technology to extend play-based learning and strengthen development for young children.
3. ECD Leadership & Advocacy – Champions investment in the early years and stronger leadership and support systems for ECD centres.
4. Community Development – Works with practitioners, principals, parents and communities to strengthen learning environments and create sustainable centres.
5. Child Development & Assessment – Supports monitoring of children’s developmental progress and identification of areas requiring additional support.

Tessa Forman

Connect: LinkedIn

Job title: COO – Afrika Tikkun Bambanani

Expertise: Early Childhood Development, Education, Teacher Development, Curriculum Development, Community Development

Education: University of the Witwatersrand – Pass with distinction

Professional Career:

1. Afrika Tikkun Bambanani – COO; supports the organisation’s delivery of programmes designed to strengthen ECD centres, practitioners and learning outcomes.
2. Teacher Development & Mentorship – Supports ECD practitioners through training, mentorship, practical classroom support and digital learning.
3. Curriculum Development – Contributes to the development and implementation of age-appropriate learning programmes and resources for young children.
4. Early Childhood Development – Focuses on developmental support and school readiness for children in underserved communities.
5. BambaLearn and digital tools – support teaching, learning and assessment.
6. Community Development & Leadership – Works with ECD centres, principals, practitioners and communities to strengthen learning environments and long-term sustainability.

The conversation looks at:

• Early Childhood Development and school readiness
• Teacher development and mentorship
• Curriculum and assessment
• Educational technology and BambaLearn
• Leadership and sustainability in ECD centres
• Rural and township education
• Community development and social impact
• Women in leadership and education

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