The organisers of the Cape\u2019s premier 12km road run, the FNB Cape Town 12 ONERUN are excited to welcome Cotlands as the event\u2019s third charity in 2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe strongly support Cotlands\u2019 focus on Early Childhood Development (ECD). The organisation offers innovative programmes that promote play-based learning amongst children from 0 \u2013 5 years of age (before they enter formal schooling).\u00a0 We are exceptionally proud to welcome Cotlands as a charity of the 2019 FNB Cape Town 12 ONERUN and trust that runners will share our enthusiasm and show their support of this worthy cause,\u201d says Michael Meyer, Managing Director Stillwater Sports.<\/p>\n
According to Gary Janeke, Cotlands Regional Manager Western Cape, the first five years of a child\u2019s life are critical for the development of a child’s brain.\u00a0 \u201cIf children are not adequately nurtured and protected in the early years, and if they do not receive quality early learning opportunities, they will not be able to develop to their full potential.\u00a0 Cotlands\u2019 early learning programmes are designed to increase children\u2019s school readiness.\u00a0 We are excited to be a charity recipient of the FNB Cape Town 12 ONERUN.\u00a0\u00a0 Any financial benefits are always gratefully received, but of equal importance is the opportunity to promote our organisation and the work that we do.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfortunately, many people do not understand the importance of ECD, seeing it as a \u2018nice to have\u2019 rather than the catalyst for change that our country so desperately needs,\u201d continues Janeke.\u00a0 \u201cThe FNB Cape Town 12 ONERUN is about having fun, something that our play-based organisation is passionate about.\u00a0 Showcasing Cotlands as one of the event\u2019s charities will assist us in promoting our cause and inadvertently generate much needed funds to cover the operational costs of implementing our early learning programmes.\u201d<\/p>\n
ABOUT COTLANDS<\/u><\/strong>:<\/strong>\u00a0 Founded in 1936 Cotlands has undergone many changes, but always retained serving young children as its primary goal.\u00a0 From historical roots as a baby sanctuary, Cotlands initiated its community based programmes in 1999, primarily focusing on HIV and nutrition, and later adding psy\u00adchosocial and educational support to the programmes.\u00a0 In 2012, Cotlands conceptualised a non-centre based early childhood development (ECD) programme.\u00a0\u00a0 Today, Cotlands offers early learning play-based opportunities to thousands of children in six of South Africa\u2019s provinces through toy libraries and playgroups.<\/p>\n For further information or to show support visit www.cotlands.org.za<\/a><\/p>\n EVENT INFORMATION<\/u>:\u00a0 <\/strong>FNB Cape Town 12 ONERUN<\/p>\n