2024-2027
An Early Start for Bright Futures
© SmartStart
2024-2027
SmartStart
SmartStart works to close the gap in access to quality early learning for all children in South Africa and beyond. The organisation believes in the transformative power of early learning to shape a brighter future not only for children, but for women, families and the entire nation. Since 2015, SmartStart’s evidence-based early learning programme has been delivered by an expanding network of practitioners, specially recruited, trained and licenced by SmartStart and its partners. To date, its 18,000 practitioners have reached 266,000 early learners in South Africa.
CHALLENGE
© SmartStart
ACTION
SmartStart addresses the lack of affordable, quality early learning programmes in South Africa through a multi-faceted approach.
First, SmartStart implements a child-centred, play-based curriculum designed for three-to five-year olds, which fosters learning, school performance and overall success in life.
Second, SmartStart recognises the importance of local involvement by recruiting, training and licensing practitioners – mostly women – from the local communities served.
This approach increases access to its learning programmes and creates sustainable employment opportunities in its communities.
IMPACT
early learner practitioners
recruited, trained and supported since 2015
early learners reached
of children
who attend a SmartStart programme are developmentally on track for their age according to the Early Learning Outcome Measures (compared with only 32% for kids that are not in the programme)
14 Jul 2024
A fair start in life
From Nairobi’s largest slums to construction camps in Chiang Mai and Delhi, and from Central Harlem to rural South Africa, meet six organisations that take early childhood opportunities to access quality learning very seriously. Here’s why Cartier Philanthropy finds it so important to support them.