Partner with SmartStart
Real change begins with connection—people, organisations, and communities coming together to create something bigger than themselves.
SmartStart’s social franchise model enables us to harness the experience of our implementing partners, who license and support early learning practitioners in particular geographic areas. Franchisors also employ Coaches who run the national network of SmartStart Clubs.
Why does this matter?
The first five years shape a child’s future. When a child has a nurturing start, they grow into confident learners, resilient individuals, and future leaders. When we invest in children, we invest in a brighter, stronger society for everyone.
That’s why partnerships are at the heart of SmartStart. By working hand-in-hand with NGOs, businesses, and individuals who share our vision, we can reach more children, uplift more communities, and create lasting change.
This is more than a partnership, it is a movement. And we’d love for you to be part of it!
Hear From Our Partners
The First Five Years Matter
With the right support, children can develop:
- Strong, loving relationships that make them feel safe and valued.
- The ability to communicate – to listen, learn, and express themselves.
- Essential life skills like patience, resilience, and self-control that set them up for success.
Together, we can give every child the start they deserve.
Let’s make early learning possible – together
At SmartStart, we believe every child deserves the best start in life. That’s why we partner with passionate, like-minded NGOs to bring quality early learning to communities across South Africa. Our network is made up of committed, innovative organisations with deep local roots, all working together to give more children the foundation they need to thrive.
To succeed, we must address the overlapping factors of nutrition, venues/infrastructure, and microenterprise sustainability for the ecosystem — which is only possible through partnerships.
Micro-Enterprise: Building partnerships with the private sector to unlock sustainability interventions integrated into the value chain and leveraging network assets (informed by needs & demands)
Nutrition: Partnering with system-change-oriented entities to strengthen a continuum of care for 0-5 years, leveraging campaigns like Real Reform
Infrastructure: Expanding collaborations with the private sector, traditional authorities, municipalities, and religious groups to unlock community and public infrastructure for ELPs
