What began as a response to safety concerns in Kliptown and Eldorado Park has evolved into a registered early childhood development (ECD) programme, transforming the lives of young children in the community.

Lucrucia Hollander, the principal and founder of the Angel Paradise Daycare Centre (APDCC), launched the centre on 48 George Pinto Cresin, Eldorado Park, in 2014.

She had noticed that many local children started school unprepared and spent their days in unsafe environments.

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“At the time, children were drowning in a nearby stream, and many were left at home without proper care or stimulation,” Hollander said.

“I wanted to create a safe space where children could be protected, supported and prepared for school.”

Hollander registered the APDCC NPO in 2013 after losing her job. It opened despite her lack of formal ECD training.

Fuelled by passion and necessity, she provided foundational early learning activities to her learners while simultaneously pursuing professional training to strengthen her credentials.

Over the years, she completed an ECD Level 4 qualification, a certificate in education management, a Grade R certificate through the University of South Africa (Unisa), and ultimately earned a diploma in ECD.

She also encouraged her staff to pursue professional development and upskill, ensuring the centre consistently met rigorous professional and developmental standards.

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Running an ECD centre in an under-resourced community came with challenges, including limited funding, staff retention and financial management. Hollander noted that the lack of broader support for such centres in SA made these challenges even harder.

Her approach changed after joining the IMBE Accelerator Programme, a free initiative that supports micro-businesses majority-owned by women.

“Before IMBE, everything was mixed; my personal money, school money, food and expenses,” she said.

“Through the programme, I learnt proper financial management, budgeting, reporting and compliance. The school now has its own bank account, clear records and a structured budget.”

The programme also gave guidance on safety, classroom organisation, marketing and regulatory compliance. Performance-based support helped the centre acquire a jungle gym, improving the learning and play environments for the children.

Today, the APDCC is registered with the Department of Education for partial care and has applied for Department of Social Development funding,” she confirmed.

The centre also runs an aftercare programme for school-going children needing extra help with reading and homework.

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Each year, two children from families unable to afford fees are fully supported as part of the centre’s commitment to the community.

Hollander believes ECD is critical to addressing long-term educational challenges.

“Grade One learners should not be failed. If children are not prepared early, the gaps follow them throughout their schooling. ECD is the foundation, and if the foundation is weak, everything else suffers,” she said.

As IMBE opens applications for its Accelerator Programme in Gauteng, Hollander hopes more women in the ECD sector will seize the opportunity.

“This programme does not just help your business. It helps you change lives, starting with the youngest members of our communities,” she said.