Strengthening Access and Quality: Reflections from Our Visits to the Free State

As the year draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on those visits and the powerful reminder they offered: that quality early learning opportunities can and should reach every child, especially those living in underserved and informal communities.

Ntataise Mobile ECD truck

Thanks to the dedication of these NGO partners, children who cannot afford to attend formal ECD centres still have access to safe, stimulating, and developmentally enriching learning environments, guided by trained, caring, and competent practitioners.

Lesedi Educare Trust: Bringing Learning to Where It’s Needed Most

During our visit with Lesedi Educare Trust, we joined one of their mobile playgroups in Fauresmith, a small rural town. Despite the challenges of limited infrastructure, children enjoyed structured learning and outdoor play—even during cold, windy days—thanks to the use of a community hall.

We were inspired by the enthusiasm and professionalism of the practitioners, who confidently conducted lessons in Afrikaans, despite it not being their home language. The learning space was alive with energy and creativity, and we encouraged the inclusion of more Afrikaans-language materials to strengthen comprehension. Encouragingly, the parent take-home learning packs already include content in Afrikaans.

Parents spoke with warmth and pride, describing noticeable improvements in their children’s development. Many even shared that their children learn more in two days at the playgroup than in a full week at a formal centre—a testament to the quality of engagement and care provided.

Ntataise: Modelling Mentorship and Quality Practice

Demonstration and mentorship session at one of the Ntataise site

Our visit with Ntataise offered a closer look at their mentorship and coaching model, which is central to how they strengthen ECD quality.

Through an observation session with one of their partner sites, we saw first-hand how Ntataise supports practitioners through sustained mentorship, reflective practice, and hands-on skill-building. This approach not only improves teaching quality but also builds the confidence and professional growth of practitioners—an essential ingredient for lasting impact in under-resourced settings.

Tshepang Educare Trust: A Community United for Children

In another heartwarming visit, we joined Tshepang Educare Trust at a playgroup operating from a church in an informal farming community home to over 100 households—many of them displaced former farmworkers.

Inside the Tshepang ECD truck

Despite the cold morning, the classroom buzzed with joy and engagement. Children listened intently to stories told by the facilitator, who also doubles as the mobile unit driver—a creative approach that empowers staff and reduces operational costs.

Parents were deeply involved, participating in activities like colouring, cutting, and play alongside their children. Their pride and gratitude were evident in every interaction—clear affirmation of how vital this service is to the community.

Later that day, a stakeholder engagement session brought together local police, CPF members, a ward councillor, the community developer, and church leaders. The collective commitment to establishing a permanent ECD centre on-site was inspiring, with the pastor’s wife set to lead the land-use process and Tshepang offering ongoing support.

Walking Together for Lasting Impact

These visits reaffirmed the critical role of our NGO partners in ensuring no child is left behind. In communities where access to formal education remains limited, Lesedi, Tshepang, Ntataise, and Bokamoso are closing the gap—delivering high-quality early learning, nurturing caregivers, and mobilising communities to support young children.

Parents continue to share stories of transformation: children who are more confident, more communicative, and thriving developmentally. Local leaders and families are taking collective ownership, turning ECD into a shared community priority—a foundation for sustainable change.

At the HCI Foundation, we are proud to walk alongside our partners on this journey. It is deeply rewarding to see how our support—through funding, collaboration, and encouragement—is contributing to real, measurable change in the lives of children, families, and communities across the Free State.

Contributors: HCI Foundation Team

Read more about these organisations:

http://lesedieducare.co.za
https://www.tshepangeducare.com
https://www.ntataise.org