From Insight to Action: Reflecting on the 2024 Thrive by Five Index at the Child Outcomes Learning – ECD Convening Session
The latest Thrive by Five Index report offers an urgent reminder of the realities facing young children across South Africa. More than half of children aged 4–5 are not developmentally on track and ready for grade R. The greatest challenge appears in fine motor coordination and visual integration, with on 29% children on track. These FMC skills are essential for activities such as holding a pencil or crayon, cutting activities, learning letters, threading beads, and tying shoe laces.
These outcomes are shaped by persistent inequalities, including uneven access to quality early childhood development (ECD), nutrition constraints, and deep-rooted socio-economic pressures. Understanding these findings is only the first step. Meaningful progress depends on how we respond, together.
A Collective Conversation Rooted in Inclusivity
In partnership with the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT), the HCI Foundation recently convened a group of 24 organisations from across the ECD and early learning ecosystem to reflect on the report and chart a way forward.
Datadriven2030 unpacked the findings in depth, highlighting the urgency behind the numbers. The data makes clear that early developmental delays are not simply educational challenges; they reflect broader systemic inequities that shape children’s experiences long before they enter formal schooling. Addressing these realities requires a coordinated, multisector response that prioritises access to quality ECD, strengthens family and community support, and ensures that programmes are rooted in the lived experiences of the children they serve.
One of the defining strengths of the gathering was its inclusivity. Organisations representing different provinces, languages, sizes, and approaches came together with a shared purpose: to strengthen the pathways that enable children to thrive by five. Voices from a range of ages and genders enriched the dialogue, ensuring that the conversation reflected both national patterns and on-the-ground realities.
Crucially, the programme was driven by the organisations themselves. Their lived experiences, evidence, and work with communities shaped the conversations, ensuring that the insights were practical, authentic, and grounded in local needs.
Purpose and Objectives of the Session
The session was intentionally designed to:
- Promote collaboration among members of the ECD community.
- Enrich thinking by prompting reflection on the underlying criteria that influence whether interventions and programmes succeed or fail.
- Provide a safe, communal space for sharing insights, learning, and strengthening relationships across organisations.
- Highlight the value of being data-led, responding to ongoing insights through community-based and evidence-driven approaches.
These objectives created the foundation for honest dialogue, deeper learning, and a shared commitment to collective action.
Sector Commitments and Collective Strengths
Thank You
HCI Foundation extends heartfelt appreciation to Oppenheimer Memorial Trust, DataDriven2030 and the remarkable organisations whose participation shaped the conversation:
- YearBeyond / YeBo Institute
- Training and Resources in Early Education (TREE)
- Tshepang
- LETCEE
- Ikamva Labantu
- Education Africa
- Siyakwazi
- Bulungula Incubator
- Grassroots Educare Trust
- Penreach
- Lesedi Educare Association
- Centre for ECD
- Sikhula Sonke Early Childhood Development
- Thanda
- Ntataise Lowveld
- ELRU
- Ubunye Foundation
- Khanimamba Training and Resource Centre
- Golang Kulani Early Learning Centre
- Cotlands
- Masinjyusane
- Zero2Five Trust
- Impande Yotshani NPC
- Ntataise Trust
Your leadership, insights, and generosity continue to shape a future where more children can learn, grow, and thrive. We are deeply grateful for your commitment and collaboration.
