Our partnership with Wynberg Girls High School started five years ago, with learners from the High School supporting our Emthonjeni outreach programme learners with sandwiches each term. This project has grown to include gifts for some of our support groups, teacher resources like posters and food parcels at Christmas time to assist struggling families to feed their children when schools have closed. 
Once again we would like to thank Wynberg Girls High School's Service Pillar for gathering food parcels which were handed out to 48 Emthonjeni families and 10 of the Emthonjeni volunteers who assist us to run our preschool programmes using the informal spaces in the newer informal settlements in Khayelitsha.
Thank you Wynberg Girls! #honourbeforehonours #sisochampions

Emthonjeni reaches out to families who live in informal housing, many of whom do not have employment and who cannot afford to send their children to preschool. Our programmes use public spaces close to water points or bathrooms, engaging parents to assist with health, nutrition, parenting skills while teaching children the basics of literacy and numeracy in preparation for primary school.   

A quick review of Q4
This quarter, we saw practitioners working hard across many learning sites to prepare children for Grade R in 2026. The same was true in our playgroups, where teams worked together to give young children the support they needed this year and for the year ahead.
It’s encouraging to see so many campaigns focused on vulnerable children. The Department of Health continued its work on immunisations, screenings, and other health needs. Food partners like For Afrika and Wynberg Girls’ High School ensured that children outside ECD centres received nutritious meals.
Our programme partners—Kids Collab, FAMSA, Connect Network, WordWorks, Growing Together, and various government departments—also played a key role in giving children a strong foundation. 
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Some special highlights

• In SD settlement, a mobile toy library has grown into a proper community space where young children can play and learn.
• Children from nearby informal settlements enjoyed an educational beach trip to Muizenberg, which was full of fun and excitement.
• 150 children graduated from our Emthonjeni Outreach Class of 2025.
• One special milestone was a father who successfully raised his child alone from the age of two.
• Our ECD practitioners graduated from the one-year Basic ECD Training course

What happened in the ECD ecosystem?
This snapshot from the Thrive By Five Results / Early Learning Outcomes (ELOM 4&5 Total Score, reflecting children’s performance across the five domains) reveals that only 42% of children enrolled in early learning programmes in South Africa are developmentally on track for their age. Less than half of enrolled children have acquired the foundational skills needed to support a successful start to formal schooling. ​

There is much to do!
Sikhula Sonke's mission is even more vital than ever before as we work to prepare the next generation to enter schooling.
​As we enter our annual rest and holidays, the Sikhula Sonke Team would like to take this opportunity to wish you a safe, and healthy festive season full of love, peace and God’s presence.

46 caregivers attended the Parent Play Box workshop held on 27 November, which also helped us evaluate the programme. We salute these parents who showed their commitment to implementing new skills in daily parenting practices.
#sisochampions #sisoreachingfamilyandcommunity

Congratulations to our Basic ECD Training students on their graduation. This is a one year course, with training once a week on Fridays. The course is very hands-on and practical and equips practitioners in setting up classrooms, running lessons, making their own resources and more. 
#sisochampions #sisoplayislearning

170 children graduated to Grade R from the Outreach programmes and ECD centres this year, with a lovely event held to celebrate our young learners. We wish them well for the start of Grade R in 2026, and their formal schooling.
#sisoplayislearning #sisoreaching familyandcommunity

Our annual Emthonjeni Outreach Programme outing took place at the end of November. 302 children were delighted to visit Muizenberg pools. There was lots of laughter and splashing, paddling and picnicking!
​#sisoplayislearning

Mdebuka and Papama have been at the Child Outcomes Learning seminar in Johannesburg over the past two days. It has been a privilege to offer a voice in this important learning space to educators around the country.

#sisochampions #sisoreachingfamilyandcommunity

It’s the last week of Sikhula Sonke cluster workshops for the year - empowering Khayelitsha's parents and caregivers with information, encouraging them through shared storytelling and standing together in hope. What incredible people they are!
#sisochampions #sisoreachingfamilyandcommunity
#parenting #sikhulasonke

World Food Day happening… teaching young children about healthy food for healthy bodies, and ensuring the right of all children to food. 
#HumanRightsMatter #sisoreachingfamilyandcommunity
#sisochampions

So privileged to be invited to share about SISO at the Wynberg Girls' High School assembly today - hosted by their new 2027 Service team. This partnership celebrates 4 years of generosity piled up in fruit, sandwiches and resources for our outreach program children.

Thank you to this amazing school and lovely learners!
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#sisochampions #HonourBeforeHonours #wynberggirlshighschool