Our CEO and founder, Monja Boonzaier, was the keynote speaker at the 6th Annual ECD Conference in March, where she delivered a powerful session titled ๐๐๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ง๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ , exploring how early emotional and developmental foundations shape lifelong learning.
She opened her talk with Nelson Mandelaโs words: โ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ค๐๐กโ๐๐ข๐ก ๐๐๐ก๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ฆ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐. ๐ด๐๐ก๐๐๐ ๐ค๐๐กโ๐๐ข๐ก ๐ฃ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ ๐ก๐๐๐. ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ค๐๐กโ ๐๐๐ก๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐โ๐๐๐๐ ๐กโ๐ ๐ค๐๐๐๐.โ
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Through her presentation, Monja challenged us all to reflect on a deeply important question: can we reimagine early learning not as preparation for school, but as the foundation for life?
The conference opened with energy and purpose as enthusiastic delegates gathered to explore how innovation and inclusive practices can strengthen the early years. Dr Andri Schoonen โ Teaching Science with Care, made a compelling call to humanise early science education through curiosity, connection, and care. Christine Stephanie Leighton โ Rediscover the Value of Dairy in ECD, offered insightful evidence on the role of dairy in supporting healthy growth and cognitive development.
The conference was marked by rich presentations, lively discussions, and a shared commitment to shaping a more innovative and inclusive ECD future.
