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Ubunye works with rural communities to lay strong foundations for lifelong learning – from early childhood development through to secondary school and beyond.
EXCELLENT LEARNING
FINANCIAL STABILITY
SAFETY
FOOD SECURITY
COMMUNITY-LED GROWTH
Isisekelo Programme
Education for Life
Our Approach
Ubunye’s community-led model means that all programme decisions are shaped by the people they serve. In the Ngqushwa Municipality, communities identified a clear need for early learning centres. In response, Programme Working Groups – made up of local residents – took the lead in creating safe, sustainable, and empowering spaces for young children.
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They:
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Identified suitable sites for ECD centres
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Elected parent committees
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Encouraged local women to become ECD practitioners, assistants, and cooks
Why It Matters
Isisekelo supports the creation of community-run ECD centres that offer:
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A safe, nurturing learning environment
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Nutritious meals
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Quality early education
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Sustainable operations rooted in local leadership
These centres aim to meet the Department of Basic Education‘s standards for Partial Care Registration, unlocking access to government grants and long-term financial sustainability.
Impact So Far
In 2018, over 126,000 children under 5 in Ngqushwa had no access to ECD education (DSD).
That same year, Ubunye launched the Isisekelo Programme.
By 2025, 52 centres serving over 1000 children were registered with the Department of Basic Education and secured funding.
The programme now covers 57 ECD centres reaching more than 1700 children and 97 ECD practitioners.
Isisekelo Stats
57
Early Childhood Development Centres
97
Early Childhood Development Practitioners
1741
Learners
Looking Ahead
Isisekelo continues to expand into primary and secondary education – integrating digital learning tools, traditional knowledge, and sustainable infrastructure to help young people succeed in and beyond the classroom.
UPDATES
New to Isisekelo
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