SmartStart brought together its national network and the wider early childhood development (ECD) ecosystem for its inaugural Constellations of Change gathering in Johannesburg. The two-day event explored how stronger partnerships can help make quality early learning accessible to every child by 2030.
The gathering brought together implementing partners, programme leads, club coaches, call-centre agents, frontline and hub staff, government representatives, funders, researchers, technology providers and other stakeholders. It reflected SmartStart’s role as an early learning delivery platform that connects people, organisations and resources to strengthen access, quality and sustainability across the sector.
The first day focused on SmartStart’s network and its new five-year strategy. Partner leaders, their teams and SmartStart staff reflected on SmartStart’s evolving role – from delivering an early learning programme to acting as a catalyst for greater coordination, innovation and systems change.
Participants also celebrated the network’s contribution to SmartStart’s recognition as a 2026 recipient of the Skoll Award for Social Innovation. Four partner organisations were recognised for agency, know-how and collaboration:
- Early Learning Resources Unit (ELRU) received the Agency Award for taking initiative to expand access in challenging contexts.
- Training and Resources for Early Education (TREE) received the Know How Award for sharing practical expertise and tools.
- Khululeka and Siyakholwa jointly received the Collaboration Award for establishing a regional hub and working more closely together to help close the early learning access gap in the Eastern Cape.
The second day opened the conversation to the wider ECD system. Government leaders, funders, researchers, technology providers and implementing organisations considered the conditions needed to expand access and improve the quality and sustainability of early learning.
Panel discussions explored the links between access, nutrition, quality, the ECD workforce, financing, evidence-building and partnerships. They highlighted that universal access to quality early learning cannot be achieved by one organisation alone: nutrition supports children’s ability to learn; quality depends on a skilled and supported workforce; and sustaining that workforce requires appropriate financing, informed by evidence and strengthened through partnerships.
The gathering concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen collaboration across the ECD ecosystem and include more voices in the work ahead. The next phase will focus on translating conversations into action through stronger partnerships with government, more coordinated investment, shared evidence and opportunities for organisations across the sector to contribute.
Explore how SmartStart works with implementing partners to strengthen early learning delivery across South Africa.
