The Brightest Futures Have a SmartStart
Giving the most underserved children access to quality early learning.
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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 Franchisees
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.
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