By Theresa Michael, CEO Afrika Tikkun Bambanani

South Africa’s 2024 matric pass rate of 87.3% might seem like a cause for celebration, but it hides a troubling reality. Only about 50% of learners who started Grade 1 in 2013 completed matric and passed. This stark statistic lays bare the challenges in our education system and signals the need to invest in Early Childhood Development (ECD) as the foundation for academic success.

The Crucial Early Years

The first six years of a child’s life are critical for developing cognitive, social, and emotional skills. Yet, in too many cases, children arrive in Grade 1 without the necessary foundation, setting them up for academic struggles.

Afrika Tikkun Bambanani has dedicated itself to changing this narrative. Leaders like Theresa Michael and Tessa Forman have spearheaded initiatives to ensure that children in ECD centres across the country are better prepared for Grade 1 and beyond. Their work focuses on equipping teachers with tools to deliver impactful lessons, introducing play-based curricula, and creating inclusive learning environments.

Tracking Progress for Long-Term Impact

A standout feature of Afrika Tikkun Bambanani’s approach is its Online Assessment Centre, which monitors children’s developmental milestones and tracks teacher progression. By identifying gaps early, interventions can be tailored to each child’s needs, ensuring they are not left behind.

The programme doesn’t just focus on children—it empowers teachers and principals through up-skilling and management training. This holistic approach ensures that the benefits of ECD extend beyond the classroom, creating sustainable change in communities.

A Call for Collective Action

The sobering fact that only half of South African learners who start school make it to matric should galvanise action at every level of society. ECD is the foundation upon which all future education is built, and it deserves the investment and attention of parents, educators, government, and civil society.

Afrika Tikkun Bambanani’s work is a testament to what is possible when we prioritise the early years. By preparing children for school and beyond, they are helping to rewrite South Africa’s education story—one learner at a time.

If South Africa is to rise above its education challenges, the focus must shift to the beginning of the journey, not just the end. Quality ECD is not a luxury; it is a necessity for a better future.