Q4 update from the Executive Director

As we close the final quarter of the year, it’s important not only to look at what Sikhula Sonke has achieved, but also to reflect on what has happened across the whole early childhood development sector. Our work in communities depends on how well we collaborate with others in this space. This year, strong partnerships with key stakeholders have helped us reach more children and make a bigger impact.

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.