SmartStart

Every child deserves a chance to succeed. That's why we're excited to be one of six organisations supported by Cartier Philanthropy(tag). With their support, we're working to level the playing field for all children. Find out how bit.ly/3LIA7SM

We are pleased with the minister's recognition of the formative years as critical to laying a strong foundation for children's education journey. We look forward to working with her to make this a reality. Read the minister's full speech here bit.ly/3SaSraM

This week, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube tabled her maiden budget vote speech in which she outlined her department's key priorities for the 2024/25 financial year. Top among these is improving access to and quality of early childhood development.

In a new op-ed @SmartStartSA calls on @PresidencyZA to make key ECD pledges in #SONA2022. bit.ly/3B9Vs1p @CECD_online @DGMurrayTrust @NECDA7 @BridgeProjectSA @ELMAPhilanthro @ImaginableFut @elru_co_za @LEGOfoundation @WBG_Education @UNICEF_SA @Hollard @DBE_SA

#RightHereRightNow #AskYourCllrs How are you going assist ECDs in informal settlements to access services? #MakeECDanElectionIssue #ECDreform

#RightHereRightNow #AskYourCllrs What are you going to do to fast-track issuing of tittle deeds and applications for lease of council owned land? #MakeECDanElectionIssue #ECDreform

#RightHereRightNow #AskYourCllrs How will you gather data about ECD in your ward? #MakeECDanElectionIssue #ECDreform

#RightHereRightNow "No sites are allocated to ECD. All available sites are allocated to other businesses. Half of the children in our centres cannot afford to pay fees." ~Sana Mokoena (Ward 5) #MakeECDanElectionIssue #ECDreform

#RightHereRightNow "I have been in the ECD sector for over 30 years and I still do not have a title deed." ~Nomsa Makoma (Ward 4 ) #MakeECDanElectionIssue #ECDreform

#RightHereRightNow "...We are expected to submit Building Plans for RDP houses that we did not build. Councillors must assist to ensure that land is made available for ECD" ~Martha Skosana (Ward 3) #MakeECDanElectionIssue #ECDreform

#RightHereRightNow "ECD should be in the budget and local projects should include ECD. We will vote for the party that will put ECD first" ~Pricilla Zwane (Ward 1) #MakeECDanElectionIssue #ECDreform

"Parents are unemployed and therefore no income for ECD, but as ECD programmes we are expected to pay high fees to register and comply..." ~Pricilla Zwane (Ward 1) #MakeLocalGovtWork #PowerToSucceed #OrangeFarm

#RightHereRightNow "... ward councillors must know the number of ECDs in their wards, their challenges, and advocate for ECD in their meetings and with City officials" ~Gladys - Sisonke ECD Forums Chair (Region G) Get Involved: bit.ly/3GekFtk #MakeLocalGovtWork

#RightHereRightNow The ECD Forum in Orange Farm, GP has organised a local elections meeting with local election candidates to raise local ECD issues. They are expecting more than 100 participants to share their concerns and make their voices heard! #LGE21 #OrangeFarm #SmartStart

Supporting women & nurturing our littlest learners is crucial for families & communities. Since the pandemic's start, our partner @SmartStartSA has taken critical steps to support its 3400+ centers in South Africa & the many women who run them. Read more: bit.ly/3iUktFI

Meet our COO, Susanna Oosthuizen . She will be unpacking Penreach's breakthrough story in STEAM at the @NASCEE_SA Breakthrough Conference, which will be taking place from tomorrow. You can still register to attend the Conference using the link below: nascee.org.za/new.../nascee-…

Hot off the press... Check out @EcdReform special campaign toolkit bit.ly/3aNiqPp for everyone involved in ECD with top tips on how to #MakeECDanElectionIssue including key talking points. @DGMurrayTrust @NECDA7 @CECD_online @BridgeProjectSA @elru_co_za @penreach

Local elections are on 1st Nov and we need to move ECD up the agenda. Local govt has a crucial role to play in helping with ECD registration, venues and funding. You can help by signing @EcdReform open letter here cutt.ly/cRt3RyQ @CECD_online #MakeECDanElectionIssue

@SmartStartSA's Advocacy Bulletin has all the latest #ECD updates from SA parliament and government. bit.ly/3BYE12V @BridgeProjectSA @NECDA7 @CECD_online @DGMurrayTrust

Check out this article on how the SmartStart early learning platform is enabling women's economic empowerment. bit.ly/3BK1WTN @DGMurrayTrust @TreasuryRSA @Hollard @Harambee4Work @WBG_Education @DBE_SA @CECD_online