Who we are

Learning In Reach is a body of like-minded individuals with an interest in making South Africa succeed through education. We aim to empower the future generation with curiosity and a love of learning by ensuring education equality on the belief that this is the foundation for a stronger democracy.

Educational success extends beyond school hours, and school walls. We see the need for a major drive to engage parents and upskill them in order for them to better support the individual child. By offering solutions to the families of learners we aim to drive a shift in the community that drives hope and empowerment. ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ and we cannot disrupt the Early Childhood Development process without addressing the supporting structures, the main one being the child’s parents, as role models and leaders of these young children.

Our Values

Our Vision

A South Africa where our children have equal opportunities to quality foundation education. We are excited to open up a true enjoyment and enthusiasm for learning, generating hope and creating possibilities and opportunities for their futures.

Our Mission

To empower an ecosystem of quality education for the holistic development of the child, bridging the gap between marginalised and privileged communities.

The Facts

Less than half of children aged 3-6 years have access to a preschool in South Africa.
Only 6 out of 30 Early Childhood Development centres in Lavender Hill are registered, meeting the minimum standard of childcare required by authorities.
8 out of 10 children can’t read for meaning by the time they reach Grade 4.
82% of people in Lavender Hill over 20 years old never completed Matric, making it almost impossible for them to further their education or find employment.

The Problem

Poverty, mental illness, drug and alcohol abuse all have a hand in creating an environment that replicates itself over and over in each successive generation. All are prevalent in Lavender Hill and other marginalised areas in South Africa. Children living with trauma are not able to learn optimally, and require informed support to enable them to manage their response and behaviour. International research shows that the first six years of a child’s life are critical in brain development.

Providing quality early childhood development, a safe space, the right kind of stimulation, and support from a caring adult, can change a child’s trajectory. It can provide positive experiences and change belief systems. It can help children to learn better. It can change attitudes and behaviour. It can open up opportunities for a better future.

Our Solution

Support, guide and empower parents with training and socio-economic, co-operative opportunities
Provide hands-on learning for children between the ages of 3 years and 6 years from previously or currently disadvantaged communities in and around Cape Town
Provide alternative safe spaces and constructive learning projects for primary school children after school
Provide essential nutrition and basic health services to children and families attending the centres
Provide trauma counselling and support for the general school community, accelerating its endeavours to move forward to a more positive, self-sustaining lifestyle

Build new or expand existing Early Childhood Development and Community Centres by creating purposefully designed, beautiful and inspiring spaces of learning supported by local economic hubs
Train and upskill teachers in dynamic teaching methodologies using Montessori principles with an internationally proven track record of outstanding results
Provide essential ECD learning resources, equipment and skill local community members to make and sell these to the broader ECD and parenting community/ecosystem