?In a world where screens increasingly dominate children's lives and safe outdoor play spaces dwindle, Professor Eileen Africa stands as a beacon of hope for childhood development. As an Associate Professor in the Division of Movement Science and Exercise Therapy at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票, Africa has dedicated her career to transforming young lives through the science of movement.
“Early intervention is key," Africa emphasizes. “Your window of opportunity to develop holistically is between 0 and six years old." This philosophy drives her pioneering work in Kinderkinetics, a field she established at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 in 2010 and has been leading ever since.
Movement as medicine
Kinderkinetics is a field in paediatric movement science where specialists work with children from infancy to age 13, using physical activity and movement as a vehicle to enhance children's gross motor skills development.
In today's South Africa, this work has become increasingly vital. While some affluent schools maintain structured physical education programmes, many schools lack qualified teachers and dedicated time for physical activity. Schools prioritise academic subjects, technology keeps children indoors, and safety concerns prevent the kind of free outdoor play that previous generations enjoyed.
“When I was a kid—and it's not that long ago—we played in the street and it was safe. But nowadays kids can't do that," Africa notes. “They don't get lots of natural physical activity anymore."
The consequences extend far beyond childhood. “If we can get a child to be physically active in their early years, they will become healthy, active adults," she says. This preventive approach reduces the burden on healthcare systems by helping avoid obesity, chronic disease, diabetes, and hypertension in adulthood.
A winding path to purpose
Africa's journey to becoming a leader in this field wasn't straightforward. Born and raised in Worcester, she initially pursued physiotherapy at university. However, an early clinical experience prompted a reassessment of her path.
“I wanted to work with kids," she explains. “I redirected my academic career and applied for sports science." After completing her undergraduate studies in human movement science, she discovered an honours program in movement science in paediatrics that aligned perfectly with her passion. This led to master's and doctoral studies, culminating in her appointment as a lecturer in 2007.
While her academic journey had its challenges—including a heavy initial teaching load and limited support—Africa persevered. Her dedication was recognised with a Rector's Award for excellent performance in 2011, promotion to senior lecturer in 2015, and finally to associate professor in 2023.
That same year brought another milestone: a Fulbright Scholarship that took her to Nationwide Children's Hospital and Ohio State 中国体育彩票 in Columbus, Ohio. The experience was transformative, reinforcing her confidence in South African expertise.
“We have the expertise as South Africans, although we don't have the facilities. They have the facilities, but they don't have the expertise," she reflects. “Our students are on par. The students that we deliver are amazing."
A legacy in motion
Today, Africa's programme serves more than 400 children weekly through her carefully selected cohort of 12 postgraduate students. These students complete rigorous coursework alongside 300 clinical hours, working everywhere from Tygerberg Hospital School to community schools and institutions, and even Virgin Active facilities.
For Africa, the greatest joy comes from witnessing growth—both in her students and in the children they serve. “Seeing kids light up through movement and seeing that progress through therapy is actually what really keeps me going," she says. “It reminds me daily of why I do what I do."
As a mother who started the Kinderkinetics program while pregnant in 2010—even using her firstborn as a “guinea pig" for demonstrations—Africa's personal and professional lives have been intertwined in her mission to help children reach their full potential.
Her message is clear: “The power of movement and physical activity and early intervention is super important." And the approach must be collaborative: “At the end, it's all about the child... it takes a village."
Through her work, Africa isn't just teaching movement—she's creating momentum for healthier generations to come.
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