About Learning in Reach
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 Why
We believe that community-led change can happen through creating interdependent, contributing, responsible adults by connecting every child to a Montessori empowered human.
Our Mission
To empower an ecosystem of quality education for the holistic development of the child, bridging the gap between marginalised and privileged communities.
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.
The issue of ECD in SA
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.
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.
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Testimonials
Determination
I want to do it, I can do it, I will do it, I’m going to do it.
Janine Community member starting a catering business
We dreamed together
The mood of the workshop participants was positive following the workshop. It was felt that working with Learning In Reach would bring change to Lavender Hill. Your dream and our dreams for Lavender Hill are the same. People come and go and political parties make promises, but you never promised, you asked our input, our views and dreams and we dreamt together.
Janine Community educator
Partners & funders
