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 entire nations. Since 2015, SmartStart’s evidence-based early learning programme has been delivered by an expanding network of practitioners, all specially recruited, trained and licensed by SmartStart and its partners. In 2026, it has over 15,000 franchisees and more than 160,000 enrolled children. Its long-term target is to support over 450,000 children and over 30,000 women annually by 2030.
smartstart.org.za | Partner since 2024
Challenge
Over 1.3 million South African children aged three to five lack access to crucial early childhood learning programmes. This exclusion deprives children of the foundations they need to thrive in school and life and reach their full human potential. Moreover, caregivers of these excluded children are deprived of the opportunity to participate in the economy and seek employment knowing that their children are well cared for and stimulated during the day.
Response
SmartStart addresses the lack of affordable, quality early learning programmes in South Africa following a multi-faceted approach.
SmartStart recruits, trains and licenses practitioners – mostly women – in lower income communities to operate childcare centres following the SmartStart curriculum. The curriculum is child-centred, play-based and designed to prepare three-to five-year-olds for school.
These centres serve the community by providing a place for children to learn and thrive, while generating income for practitioners through a small parent fee and, when licensed, through government subsidies.
Key numbers
.jpg?quality=80&auto=webp)
.jpg?quality=80&auto=webp)
.jpg?quality=80&auto=webp)
.jpg?quality=80&auto=webp)
.jpg?quality=80&auto=webp)