Funda Afrika introduced the Informal ECD Teachers training programme to ensure that the instructors guiding young learners possess a professional aptitude. This SETA Accredited programme was designed to empower Tutors from rural and township communities. The training focused on providing essential instruction strategies and techniques for Early Childhood Development (ECD), along with content development and interpretation skills. Upon successful completion, the participants receive an NQF Level 4 Qualification.

This strategic initiative guaranteed that more qualified ECD Tutors were assigned to township communities. Consequently, this enabled the first steps towards a significant reduction in the foundation phase incapacity to read for understanding. By professionalizing the teaching staff at the earliest learning levels, Funda Afrika aimed to establish a stronger educational groundwork for young children.

Despite the success of this programme in improving ECD instruction, more still needs to be done. Funda Afrika continues to actively reach out to corporate partners to collaborate in this essential endeavor. This ongoing focus on partnerships is crucial because, historically, the main emphasis of support has often been placed on High School Matric learner programmes, and continued funding is needed to expand and sustain the vital work being done at the early childhood development level.

Funda Afrika initiated the implementation of the Department of Basic Education’s Reading Policy and rolled out new techniques in the 17 Primary Schools it supports in the Eastern Cape and in Gauteng (Tshwane West and South). Reading material was developed which included character books and gaming pamphlets for quizzes. The focus was primarily on:

1. Phonics Awareness in which learners learnt:
   • Rhyming words
   • Clapping syllables
   • Whooshing Sounds blending (c-a-t → cat)
   • Initial and ending sound identification
2. Storytelling & Oral Language Development
   • Developing imagination/telling simple stories.
   • Funda Afrika introduced playdough, threading, cutting, colouring, and pegboard activities.
3. Remedial differentiated instruction for struggling learners
   Learners were segmented into groups according to their reading proficiency and helped gradually with extra coping mechanisms from Funda Afrika developed material.

Tshwane Primary Schools:

• Lowe Primary School
• Marematlou
• Tokyo Sexwhale
• Bodubelo
• Kgabo
• Matseke
• Patogang

Eastern Cape Primary Schools:

• AW Barnes
• Gcobani
• Inyathi
• Mbulelo
• Mzimkhulu
• Nkululeko
• Phumelelani
• Tom Panyana
• Siyavuya
• Vulumz

The Math intervention was implemented in the 17 STEP Primary schools. The Primary focus was on:

1. Number Sequences
   • Learners were introduced to counting in sequences (objects, steps, children, snacks, calendar days).
   • Tutors introduced the use of number songs (1–10, 1–20 & skip counting).
2. Hands-On Manipulatives
   • Learners made use of counters, bottle tops, blocks, stones, sticks.
   • They were instructed to sort, classify, compare, group, and sequence.
3. Number Sense through Play
   • Learners were introduced to number puzzles, matching cards, dice games such as “Shop play” with pretend money.
   • Learners also engaged in Measuring play (cups, spoons, sand).
4. Patterns and Shapes
   • Learners created patterns with beads, sticks, colours (AB, AAB, ABC).
   • They were mentored to identify and draw shapes in the environment.

Spelling Bee

Funda Afrika introduced learner assessment through Olympiad contests. Learners were invited to Spelling Bee contests in which medals and a floating trophy were introduced.

Math Champs

Eastern Cape learners participated in the Maths Champs competition that were a part of the Olympiad segments. Learners were grouped and asked on number sequencing, addition and stories’ problem-solving quizzes.

Reading Champs

Eloquence and progress in reading was assessed through the Reading Champs contests that were also a segment of the Olympiad contests. Learners were given extracts from the Funda Afrika reading materials.

Funda Afrika introduced the Balanathi reading corners to promote reading for understanding amongst foundation phase learners. Books developed by Funda Afrika and extra reading material were donated to schools in partnership with Nalibali.

Math Champs

Eastern Cape learners participated in the Maths Champs competition that were a part of the Olympiad segments. Learners were grouped and asked on number sequencing, addition and stories’ problem-solving quizzes.

Reading Champs

Eloquence and progress in reading was assessed through the Reading Champs contests that were also a segment of the Olympiad contests. Learners were given extracts from the Funda Afrika reading materials.

Funda Afrika donated books, compujectors, iPads, printers, school uniforms and shoes, groceries, chairs, trophies and learner assessment material to schools in the Eastern Cape and in Gauteng. Collaborations with corporates ensured that learners are supported through Funda Afrika ’s Employee Volunteer Programme (EVP) , Winter Drive, Groceries-Shoes & School uniform drive, School ICT Support Drive and Dlalanathi tournaments.

Funda Afrika introduced the Dlalanathi tournament initiative and partnered with community sporting academies to promote netball and chess. Primary School learners heaved off the pressure of studying through the extra-curricular activities. A floating trophy was introduced which is handed over to the successive winner of the games but learners walked away with medals.