We are an NPO that uplifts Early Childhood Development centres caring for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. We empower these ECD centres to provide the children in their care with the knowledge, nourishment and nurturing they need to thrive at school and beyond.
Early childhood development (“ECD”) refers to the physical, psychological, cognitive and social development that a child experiences between birth and school-going age. We have decided to focus our efforts on ECD as for many children in South Africa, the experiences that they have in their first five years of life place them at a significant disadvantage at the point of entry into school.
This has long term implications for their education, employment and income prospects. Studies (thrivebyfive.co.za for example) indicate that the first thousand days in a child’s life could hold the key to unlocking his/her life-long potential.
Furthermore, by the age of 5, almost 90% of a child’s brain will be developed. These are the formative years where factors such as adequate healthcare, good nutrition, good quality childcare and nurturing, a clean and safe environment, early learning and stimulation will, to a large extent, influence his/her future as an adult.
Semela means “plant” in Sesotho and this encapsulates our ethos of nurturing young children, helping them to flourish. The Semela Foundation aims to cultivate a love of learning from an early age, strong roots that will support and anchor a child throughout their educational journey.
We ensure the basic physical needs of the children are met in terms of safety, functioning toilets, a separate kitchen and dedicated classroom space.
We empower teachers with the best-practice methods and content for early childhood development, providing the curriculum, books and equipment required for optimal learning outcomes.
Together with the community, we plant sustainable vegetable gardens and ensure that school cooks are set up with the tools and ingredients they need to prepare wholesome, well-balanced meals.
We make sure that our centres are places of fun, creativity and imagination and that children are engaged with educational activities, games and toys so they can learn and grow through play.
Our centres need to be safe harbours for the children in their care. We train teachers to model skills such as kindness and gratitude and to practise positive affirmation and appropriate discipline.
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We exist to instil this love of learning in young children. To expose them, and their teachers, to the mind-expanding, eye-opening, life-changing value of an excellent early education.
Find out more about the places where children have a safe space to grow and learn.
We exist to instil this love of learning in young children. To expose them, and their teachers, to the mind-expanding, eye-opening, life-changing value of an excellent early education.
Find out more about the places where children have a safe space to grow and learn.