The 2019 UNESCO report, which examined global education progress towards the 2030 Millennium Development Goals, identified the shortage of qualified teachers as a key barrier to achieving universal primary education. According to the Centre for Development and Enterprise, South Africa needs approximately 25,000 new teachers each year to meet this goal. With 32% of teachers aged over 50, two critical interventions are needed: retaining current teachers and supporting more graduates. The HCI Foundation’s Teacher Development Programme aims to address both challenges.