Trialogue’s Social Impact Stories took the spotlight on SABC’s Expresso Show in December 2025, highlighted some of the challenges facing children in rural KwaZulu-Natal.
Siyakwazi, a community-based organisation in KwaZulu-Natal, is making a meaningful difference in the lives of children excluded from South Africa’s schooling system. The nonprofit is one of many early childhood development organisations supported by the FirstRand Foundation, which is committed to fulfilling young children’s potential.
Siyakwazi’s three programmes – Inclusion, School Readiness, and Early Learning – prepare children for a better future.
Siyakwazi director Cathy Mather-Pike says the programmes aim to identify and support children in need.
“Inclusion means finding children with disabilities, and supporting them at home and in ECD centres, Grade R and Grade 1 in local schools. With School Readiness, we conduct a ‘red flag’ screening to catch children who are at risk of falling behind, and work with them during the year. If they don’t catch up, they may have an underlying condition.”
Esethu’s journey
One such young child, Esethu, came to the attention of field worker Nokwethemba Xolo in 2023. The little girl didn’t talk or participate in class and failed the screening assessment. It was discovered that she had ear infections that had affected her hearing.
Siyakwazi’s team of therapists worked with Esethu and her parents to improve her condition. They received funding for hospital visits and transport, and she was taught to speak and pronounce words correctly. The holistic support made it possible for a family with few resources to help their daughter thrive.
Empowering parents
Siyakwazi also supports parents who want to improve their lives.
Oversight and Expansion Manager Nosipho Gasa says parents also have the opportunity to earn an income through the support initiatives.
“We have a sewing hub, we have a baking class, and we also have a second-hand shop. If a parent has potential, we will hire them to sew. Some of the resources in our therapy room come from the sewing hub.”
Nosipho Gasa, Oversight & Expansion Manager
This approach strengthens families economically while ensuring that children receive the resources they need to thrive.
Building a foundation for the future
FirstRand Foundation supports inclusion and the availability of resources that help children to thrive, according to Gugushe. The aim is to support children to be school-ready by the age of 6, acquire literacy and numeracy by Grade 4, and digital skills by Grade 7.
This holistic approach recognises that early childhood development is not just about preparing children for school, but about equipping them for life. By investing in ECD, FirstRand Foundation is helping to break cycles of exclusion and poverty, and laying the groundwork for a more inclusive society.
Targeted interventions change lives
Esethu’s story is just one example of how targeted support can transform a child’s future. Through its partnership with Siyakwazi and other ECD organisations, the FirstRand Foundation is ensuring that children with disabilities and learning difficulties are not left behind.
By combining early intervention, parental empowerment, and systemic support, FirstRand Foundation is helping South Africa’s youngest citizens to thrive, proving that when children are given the right start, they can flourish against the odds.
