Focus on iThemba

Teacher training is one of the quiet but powerful ways we invest in lasting impact through our iThemba Schools Programme. Earlier this year, a group of teachers from several of our partner Pre-Schools attended the Orientation and Creche Management Course held by Feed the Babies - and their feedback reminded us why this work matters. Teachers shared that the training gave them practical tools they now use every day - from planning lessons more confidently, to supporting different learning styles, improving communication, strengthening lesson delivery and creating calmer, more positive classroom environments. One teacher reflected that she now feels more confident in the classroom, while another shared how the training has helped her break lessons into smaller, play-based activities and better support children when they are struggling. And when asked what inspires them most about teaching, one response said it beautifully: “Teaching is the opportunity to make a positive difference in learners’ lives.” This is the value of empowering teachers. When they feel equipped, confident and supported, children benefit too. 🌱 Thank you to Feed the Babies for helping strengthen the teachers who play such an important role in growing hearts and minds. 📧 [email protected] 📞 +27 31 710 1800 🌐 #FocusOnIthemba #APlaceOfHope #GrowingHeartsAndMinds #iThembaSchoolsProgramme #TeacherTraining #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment #ECD #TeacherDevelopment #EmpoweredTeachers #QualityEducation #HopeInAction #FeedTheBabies #PartnerPreSchools

This week, Tanya Patten, our Early Learning Specialist, was invited to speak at the ECD & Foundation Phase Conference, which took place on 14 and 15 May. The conference brought together NPOs, schools, ECD practitioners and foundation phase stakeholders to share knowledge, insight and experience around the landscape of early childhood development. Tanya spoke on the emotional and social development of a child, and the important role these areas play in helping children grow with confidence, connection and resilience. 🌱 It was a meaningful opportunity to add to the conversation around Early Childhood Development, while also sharing some of the work being done through our iThemba Schools Programme to strengthen ECD practice in underserved communities. We are so proud of Tanya and the heart, knowledge and commitment she continues to bring to this space. 📧 [email protected] 📞 +27 31 710 1800 🌐 #FocusOnIthemba #APlaceOfHope #GrowingHeartsAndMinds #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment #ECD #FoundationPhase #ChildDevelopment #EducationMatters #iThembaSchools #HopeInAction

This week, three of our iThemba Scholars took part in the Grade 9 Science Exhibition at Waterfall College. On the evening of 13 May, they had the opportunity to present their projects to their peers, parents, teachers and judges - sharing not only what they had learnt, but the effort, thought and pride they had put into their work. Moments like these are such a meaningful part of a child’s educational journey. They build confidence, encourage curiosity and give learners the chance to stand proudly behind their own ideas. 💛 We are so proud of the care and commitment our scholars showed in preparing and presenting their exhibitions. It is also a beautiful reminder of the value of the education they are receiving at Waterfall College - an environment where learning goes beyond the classroom and children are encouraged to grow, explore and believe in what they are capable of. 📧 [email protected] 📞 +27 31 710 1800 🌐 #FocusOnIthemba #APlaceOfHope #GrowingHeartsAndMinds #iThembaScholars #WaterfallCollege #ScienceExhibition #EducationMatters #ScholarJourney #LearningInAction #HopeInAction @waterfallcollegeofficial

There is something incredibly special about seeing a partnership grow into something deeply meaningful - and that is exactly what we are witnessing between Waterfall Schools and our partner Pre-Schools. Today, we had the joy of honouring one of the champions of this connection, Mrs Frances Nair. A dedicated Grade R teacher at Waterfall Prep and the driving force behind the school’s HOPE outreach programme, Frances brings not only her expertise, but her whole heart to the work of Early Childhood Development. Over the past few years, she has poured her time, knowledge and care into our iThemba Schools Programme - uplifting and equipping teachers, and helping to shape the experiences of many young children. Frances has become a deeply loved and familiar presence in the lives of many little ones across our partner pre-schools. In the sweetest expression of gratitude, the children created heartfelt artwork to say thank you - a small but powerful reflection of the love she has sown. 🌱 It was a privilege to place these tokens of appreciation in her hands and to witness a moment that speaks so beautifully to the value of partnership - when knowledge, care and generosity are shared for the good of children. 📧 [email protected] 📞 +27 31 710 1800 🌐 #FocusOnIthemba #APlaceOfHope #GrowingHeartsAndMinds #MeaningfulPartnerships #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment #ECD #EducationMatters #CommunityImpact #HopeInAction

Today, we honour the mothers, mother figures and caregivers whose quiet, daily love helps shape the lives of children in ways that last far beyond childhood. A mother’s role is woven into so many of a child’s earliest moments - comfort, safety, learning, resilience, curiosity and confidence. Through the simple, everyday acts of talking, holding, encouraging, guiding and showing up, mothers help children feel secure enough to grow. At Focus on iThemba, we see and deeply appreciate the love, strength and care that mothers pour into their children each day. It is often unseen work - but it is never small work. 💛 To every mother and mother figure in our community - thank you. You are helping shape hearts, minds and futures. 🌱 Happy Mother’s Day! 📧 [email protected] 📞 +27 31 710 1800 🌐 #FocusOnIthemba #APlaceOfHope #GrowingHeartsAndMinds #MothersDay #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment #ECD #ChildDevelopment #Motherhood #HopeInAction #CommunityCare

1 May was Principals Day, and we would like to take a moment to recognise and honour the incredible principals across our iThemba Schools. Each of these women carries the responsibility of leading a school, guiding teachers, supporting families and shaping the daily experience of every child in their care. It is work that requires strength, consistency and a deep commitment to something greater than themselves. In the early childhood development space, leadership matters. It sets the tone for learning, for care, and for the environments where young children begin to discover who they are and what they are capable of becoming. At Focus on iThemba, we see the impact of this leadership every day - in the growth of children, in the dedication of teachers, and in the strength of the communities these schools serve. To each of our principals - thank you for your leadership, your dedication and the heart you bring to your work. 💛 You are shaping lives in ways that will last far beyond the classroom. 📧 [email protected] 📞 +27 31 710 1800 🌐 #FocusOnIthemba #APlaceOfHope #GrowingHeartsAndMinds #PrincipalsDay #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment #ECD #LeadershipMatters #CommunityImpact #HopeInAction

There is something deeply meaningful about the way hope is grown - often quietly, patiently, and in ways the world does not always see straight away. 🌱 At Focus on iThemba, we are sowing seeds of hope every day - in classrooms alive with curiosity, in relationships shaped by care, and in young lives filled with promise. What begins in these moments may seem small at first, but the impact reaches far beyond what is visible today. A child who is encouraged. A life that is nurtured. A future that is strengthened. This is how hope takes root - and how lasting change begins. We remain committed to growing hearts and minds, and to investing in children in ways that will continue to bear fruit for years to come. 💛 📧 [email protected] 📞 +27 31 710 1800 🌐 #FocusOnIthemba #APlaceOfHope #SowingSeedsOfHope #GrowingHeartsAndMinds #HopeInAction #InvestingInChildren #CommunityImpact #ChildDevelopment

Today, on Workers’ Day, we honour the many people whose daily work helps to build and strengthen our communities. 💛 We also celebrate the little ones in our pre-schools who are already beginning to imagine who they may one day become - the teachers, nurses, doctors, leaders, builders, and changemakers of tomorrow. Every future profession begins with a child who is given the opportunity to learn, to grow, and to believe that their life holds purpose and possibility. This is why early childhood development matters so deeply. When children are nurtured well in these foundational years, the seeds of confidence, curiosity, and hope are planted for the future. At Focus on iThemba, we remain committed to growing hearts and minds - and to helping create spaces where children can dream, discover, and begin building the futures they were made for. 🌱 Happy Workers' Day 📧 [email protected] 📞 +27 31 710 1800 🌐 #FocusOnIthemba #WorkersDay #APlaceOfHope #GrowingHeartsAndMinds #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment #HopeForTheFuture #InvestingInChildren

We love the creativity of our schools, and we are always so grateful when they share these joyful moments with us. 💛 This beautiful colour picnic from Entokozweni Pre-School warmed our hearts, and we thought it was too special not to share. The children were divided into different colour groups, dressed up in their colour, and each brought along a food item to match. What a simple, thoughtful and joy-filled way to bring colour, learning and connection into the day. 🌈 Moments like these remind us how much early learning can happen through play, creativity and shared experiences. Thank you, Entokozweni Pre-School, for sharing this special moment with us - and for the care and creativity you pour into your children each day. 🥹 📧 [email protected] 📞 +27 31 710 1800 🌐 #FocusOnIthemba #APlaceOfHope #GrowingHeartsAndMinds #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment #ECD #ColourPicnic #LearningThroughPlay #JoyfulLearning #PartnerSchools #HopeInAction

Words of affirmation have power. 💛 The words children hear about themselves help shape the way they see who they are and who they believe they can become. When a child is called special, capable, kind, smart, worthy, or a leader, those words do more than encourage for a moment - they begin to take root in the heart and mind. At Focus on iThemba, we believe in speaking life, hope and truth into the lives of children. We believe that what is nurtured in childhood can influence confidence, identity and the way a child grows up to move through the world. 🌱 Every child deserves to know that they are valued, full of potential and created to make a difference. 📧 [email protected] 📞 +27 31 710 1800 🌐 #FocusOnIthemba #APlaceOfHope #GrowingHeartsAndMinds #WordsOfAffirmation #SpeakLife #ChildhoodMatters #HopeInAction #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment

There is something deeply special about spending time in the spaces where little lives are nurtured with such love and care. 💛 This week, we had the privilege of spending the morning at Sthandokuhle Pre-School, capturing a glimpse of the beautiful work taking place there each day. It is always an honour to walk alongside our partner pre-schools as they serve their children with dedication, heart and a genuine commitment to quality early learning. The impact they are making is deeply meaningful, and we are grateful to play a small part in a story of hope, growth and opportunity. 🌱 Thank you, Sthandokuhle Pre-School, for the faithful and important work you do in the lives of little ones. 📧 [email protected] 📞 +27 31 710 1800 🌐 #FocusOnIthemba #APlaceOfHope #GrowingHeartsAndMinds #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment #ECD #PartnerSchools #CommunityImpact #HopeInAction

In Knysna, the vision of Forest Edge is beginning to take real shape - and it is deeply encouraging to see. This year, 147 learners have stepped into three active campuses, each one representing more than just access to education. They represent possibility, belonging, and the steady work of building environments where children and young people can grow, learn, and look ahead with confidence. At Focus on iThemba, we count it a privilege to help facilitate and support this journey. By coming alongside what is already working, we are helping to strengthen foundations, enrich the daily learning experience, and contribute to something that is being built with care and long-term purpose. From early childhood development right through to preparing students for Grades 9 to 12, this growth is intentional. It reflects the kind of investment that does not only impact the present, but helps shape stronger futures for generations to come. We believe that when we invest in education, we invest in far more than classrooms. We invest in curiosity, confidence, opportunity, and hope. Every learner empowered today carries the promise of tomorrow. 💛✨ 📧 [email protected] 📞 +27 31 710 1800 🌐 #FocusOnIthemba #APlaceOfHope #GrowingHeartsAndMinds #EducationChangesLives #HopeInAction #Knysna