LIMPOPO – Smart Start, a non-profit social franchise, is making a significant impact on children and communities nationwide by creating job opportunities and improving early childhood education (ECD).

In Mopani District alone, over 200 Smart Start franchises are active, with more planned.

Limpopo provincial head Mandla Mabunda told the Herald that although Smart Start operates as a franchise, they do not charge franchisees fees for using their programmes.

This allows franchisees to start their own ECD centres without any initial costs. The organisation also helps franchisees obtain ECD certification and provides educational materials to both new and existing practitioners to enhance their teaching methods.

These materials focus on stimulating children through activities like reading, writing, and developing good manners.

“Our goal is to provide quality early childhood education to children, especially in underprivileged areas,” Mabunda said.

Mabunda described the state of ECD in the country as “a complex ecosystem with great potential but significant gaps”.

He said that 58% of children under five have no formal early learning. Closing this gap, he said, requires collaboration among the private and public sectors, traditional leaders, civil society, families, and communities.

For more information, visit www.smartstart.org.za.