The Brightest Futures Have a SmartStart

Giving the most underserved children access to quality early learning.


Learn more

Brightening Futures, For Every Child

We have a Bold Vision for Our Children

At SmartStart, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and shine – no matter their background. Quality early learning lays the foundation for a brighter future, and we’re committed to making it accessible to all, especially in our most underserved communities. That’s why we’re on a mission to reach one million children aged 3 to 5 every year by 2030, giving them the best start in life and helping to build a better future for South Africa.



Let's make a difference

Join the Early Learning Movement

We’d love to give every child the opportunity to succeed, but we can’t do it alone. Whether you’re passionate about teaching, eager to support, or looking for the best start for your child, there’s a place for you in our community.

01 Practitioners

Start your own early learning programme with full training and support.

02 Funders

Change lives by helping more children access quality early learning.

03 Caregivers

Give your child the strong foundation they deserve.

04 Partners

Help us reach more children and create lasting impact.

How We Create Impact

SmartStart is South Africa’s leading network of partners and practitioners working collaboratively to provide quality early learning opportunities to children in every type of community. We seek to harness the power and potential of affordable home and community-based early learning programmes, which can reach more children, more quickly.




Our robust value chain unlocks 5 strategic levers for affordable, home-based, early learning at scale:

Setting up new early learning programmes

Ensuring quality early learning

Building partnerships

Enabling the early learning ecosystem

Driving systems change

The Early Learning Crisis in South Africa

Access


About 59% of children are not enrolled in any early learning programme.

Early Learning


Only 35% of children aged 3-4 are on track with learning and development.

Young Children’s Development


55% of children struggle with basic skills by age 4-5.

Poverty
Crisis


Approximately 67% of children in South Africa live in extreme poverty.

Powered By Our Network Partners

Subscribe to Our Newsletter