Transforming Education for Every Child
Save the Children South Africa’s Education Programme is dedicated to ensuring every child has access to quality, inclusive, and equitable learning. Our work has focused on strengthening Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD), expanding digital learning in public schools, support youth with employability and entrepreneurial skills and building strong partnerships that amplify our impact nationwide.
Education is the foundation of every child’s future, it opens doors to opportunity, breaks cycles of poverty, and empowers children to grow into healthy, confident and independent adults contributing positively to economic growth. By investing in education, we are investing in the future of the country, ensuring that every child, regardless of circumstance, has the chance to learn, thrive, and contribute to their community.
Overall Impact
Over the past five years, our education initiatives have transformed lives across the country, reaching hundreds of thousands of children, caregivers, and practitioners, and strengthening the foundations of early learning.
Flagship Projects
1. From 2019 – 2023, the Happy Living and Learning (HLL) project focused on strengthening ECCD centres, empowering caregivers, and equipping practitioners to deliver quality early childhood education. This comprehensive approach created safe, nurturing environments where children could learn, grow, and thrive.
- 35,465 children reached.
- 2,142 trained practitioners.
- 13,042 empowered caregivers.
- 317 ECCD centres strengthened with 9 new ECCD structures built, 19 renovated, and 1 container classroom provided.
2. In just 4 years, the Caregiver Learning Through Play (CLTP) project empowered caregivers and ECD practitioners to strengthen home‑based learning, using play to support children’s growth and development.
- 129,343 children reached.
- 103,379 caregivers equipped with skills.
- 101,527 practitioners capacitated.
3. Between September 2023 and August 2025, our Digital Transformation project equipped over 1,200 children and more than 30 educators with digital tools and skills to strengthen learning and teaching in in public schools.
4. In 3 years, since September 2023, our Skills to Succeed Programme trained over 19,996 youth in employability and entrepreneurial skills in rural and urban communities where more than 60% were placed in job opportunities and established businesses
5. Through the Bridging the Gap project, we advocated for education systems to go beyond literacy and numeracy, equipping learners with the skills, values, and competencies needed to thrive in the 21st century. In South Africa, from 2021 - 2024 the project focused on research and advocacy to influence policy and practice, ensuring children are prepared for the demands of the future through playful, skills‑based learning. A key achievement was the development of the Curriculum Strengthening Framework, which provides practical guidance for integrating holistic, skills‑based approaches into early learning and primary education, helping to shape national dialogue and strengthen education systems for long‑term impact.
Looking Ahead
From 2026 onward, Save the Children South Africa will continue to:
Your Role in Shaping the Future
Your support transforms classrooms into places of possibility, where children gain the skills to read, learn, and lead. Together, we can break barriers to education and empower every child to thrive. Donate today and be the reason a child’s future shines brighter.
