Grassroots Educare Trust

Grassroots Educare Trust Grassroots Educare Trust Events and Photo page Adult Education and Training Trust

06/03/2026

Continuing from our previous post....
A glimpse of how the celebration proceeded. Plettenberg Bay Playgroup Site Learning Programme Certification

“Where would these children have been if it wasn’t for playgroups?”This powerful question reminds us why early childhood...
06/03/2026

“Where would these children have been if it wasn’t for playgroups?”
This powerful question reminds us why early childhood programmes matter so much in our communities.
We are proud to share that 20 Playgroup Leaders from Plettenberg Bay have successfully completed the Grassroots Playgroup Site Learning Programme. Through their dedication and commitment, more than 200 young children will now benefit from a quality early learning programme in their communities.
Even during the training period, we could already begin to see encouraging progress. After ELOM assessments were conducted previously, some children have shown noticeable improvement in their development and learning. These early signs remind us that when teachers are equipped with the right tools, guidance and support, they can truly make a difference in a child’s life. We are incredibly proud of our playgroup leaders who are trying their very best every day to give children a strong foundation.
The certification event was made even more special by the presence and support of several of our valued partners, including Knysna Educare Trust, Afrika Tikkun, NDA, Rotary, the Municipality, The Love Trust, ECD centres, and Playgroups. Your support strengthens the work being done on the ground and helps ensure that more children have access to safe, nurturing and stimulating early learning spaces.
At Grassroots, we believe that investing in early childhood development is investing in the future of our communities. When we empower teachers, we uplift children. When children thrive, communities grow stronger.
We celebrate this milestone with gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead. Together, we will continue to support our playgroups, strengthen our leaders, and create brighter opportunities for every child.
From:
Director, Community and Training Staff of Grassroots

🌟 Big News from Sutherland!Five new playgroups. Fifty young futures. One community rising together.With the valued suppo...
18/02/2026

🌟 Big News from Sutherland!

Five new playgroups. Fifty young futures. One community rising together.

With the valued support of the HCI Foundation and our Municipal Implementation Partner Karoo Hoogland Municipality, Grassroots is expanding access to quality early learning in rural communities.

Because when we invest in early childhood development, we build stronger schools, stronger families, and brighter futures. 🌱

✨ 50 passionate teachers and principals. One powerful purpose.Starting 2026 with jubilation, commitment, and a shared vi...
12/02/2026

✨ 50 passionate teachers and principals. One powerful purpose.

Starting 2026 with jubilation, commitment, and a shared vision, strengthening foundations for every 3–5 year old through learning, growth, and excellence in early childhood development. 🌱📚

Starting 2026 with Purpose and Growth!

This year is all about acquiring knowledge and stepping confidently into classrooms with our 3–5 year olds. Together, we embark on a journey of learning through the Grassroots Educare Trust’s Registered Site Learning Programme (SLP), grounded in the Early Learning Development Assessment Standards (ELDAs) and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF).
With 70% practical engagement and 30% theoretical learning, we as teachers are dedicating our time to upskill and enskill ourselves. This investment ensures that every child we nurture will be well-prepared for Grade R and beyond.
This is truly an opportunity not to be missed. Wherever you are, Grassroots brings the training to you, because every child deserves a strong foundation, and every teacher deserves the tools to make it happen. 50 teachers and principals will start training. Their jubilation during orientation.

In Sutherland, early learning is growing, one community at a time 🌱From teacher and parent training to five new playgrou...
05/02/2026

In Sutherland, early learning is growing, one community at a time 🌱
From teacher and parent training to five new playgroups serving 50 children, Grassroots is helping to ensure that no child shall be left behind while waiting for preschool placement.
Grassroots Expands Early Learning in Sutherland

Grassroots Educare Trust proudly acknowledges Karoo Hoogland Municipality as a valued Municipal Implementation Partner during 2025. Through this collaborative partnership, we have strengthened the delivery and oversight of Early Childhood Development programmes within the Karoo Hoogland region. The Municipality’s ongoing commitment to local development and community upliftment has contributed meaningfully to expanding access to quality ECD services and supporting practitioners on the ground. We look forward to continuing this strategic collaboration in advancing sustainable, community-based early learning initiatives.
Grassroots also worked closely with the primary and high schools together with other stakeholders, as well as the only preschool in the area serving over 120 children. Grassroots identified a pressing need: many children remained on waiting lists or had parents unable to afford fees.
To address this, Grassroots introduced the Playgroup Programme, designed to provide quality early learning opportunities in safe, community-based spaces. By 2026, together with the community, five Playgroup Leaders were identified to work with 50 children. Community members generously offered their spaces, ensuring these children are equally prepared for Grade R and beyond, while awaiting placement at the preschool.
The primary school will continue to welcome Grade R learners each year, now strengthened by the readiness and confidence instilled through the playgroups. Grassroots will support the Playgroup Leaders with a registered quality programme, Learning Training Support Material, and essential resources.
This achievement was made possible through the unwavering support of our funder and partner, the HCI Foundation.

09/01/2026

From the Director’s Desk
Strong Foundations, Strong Futures
As we step into 2026, we do so with gratitude, clarity, and renewed purpose.
The close of 2025 offered us a moment to pause not from the work, but from the noise. A moment to reflect on the lives touched, the journeys walked alongside practitioners, parents, and children, and the quiet but powerful impact that happens every day in early learning development spaces across our communities.
At Grassroots, we know that strong futures are not built in moments of urgency, but in the patient, intentional work of laying strong foundations. Foundations formed through play, through relationships, through skilled and caring adults who choose, every day, to show up for young children.
Throughout 2025, we witnessed growth, not only in qualifications achieved or programmes completed, but in confidence, leadership, and belief. Belief in the power of early childhood development to change life trajectories. Belief in communities to nurture their own solutions. Belief in children as capable, curious, and full of potential.
As we move through 2026 we recommit ourselves to what has always defined Grassroots:
championing quality early learning,
empowering practitioners as leaders,
supporting families as children’s first teachers,
and advocating for children’s rights through action, not words alone.
Thank you for walking this journey with us. Together, we continue to build foundations that will carry children and communities far beyond the early years.
Warm regards,
Mareldia Tape
Director
Grassroots Educare Trust

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eVo78876x9ZDKJa2eEQc_t_H-uCqJQK2/view?usp=drivesdk

🎄✨ Season’s Greetings from Grassroots Educare Trust ✨🎄With grateful hearts, we thank our funders, donors, and partners f...
17/12/2025

🎄✨ Season’s Greetings from Grassroots Educare Trust ✨🎄

With grateful hearts, we thank our funders, donors, and partners for standing with us in empowering Early Childhood Development. Together, we are giving young children the strong start they deserve.

Wishing you a joyful festive season and a bright 2026 ahead. 🌱💚

— Grassroots Board, Director and Staff

🌱 Upgrade your ECD journey in 2026!Grassroots Educare Trust is excited to open enrolments for our registered, practical ...
04/12/2025

🌱 Upgrade your ECD journey in 2026!
Grassroots Educare Trust is excited to open enrolments for our registered, practical and empowering training programmes for ECD Practitioners, Principals and Playgroup Facilitators.
Secure your spot!

25/11/2025

💛 Testimonial Spotlight 💛
We’re proud to share this inspiring feedback from Genevieve Abrahams of Gens Daycare, who has grown in confidence, skills, and passion through our ECD Site Learning Programme.
Thank you to Genevieve and to our facilitators, Shihaam and Thembisa, for delivering excellence in ECD training! 🌱✨

Dear Mrs Tape,

I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks and gratitude for the incredible ECD Site Learning Programme. The programme has been a transformative experience, and I'm thrilled to share my feedback with you.

The programme's structure and content were engaging, informative, and relevant to my work in ECD. The Facilitators, Shihaam and Thembisa were knowledgeable, supportive, and created a safe space for sharing and learning. The resources and materials provided have been invaluable, and I've already started implementing changes in my practice.

I've gained a deeper understanding of child development and learning theories.
I've developed practical skills in planning and implementing ECD activities. The programme has reinforced my passion for ECD and motivated me to continue making a positive impact.

I've already seen improvements in my teaching practices, thanks to the new strategies and approaches I've learned. I'm more confident in my ability to support children's learning and development. I'm excited to share my newfound knowledge with colleagues and contribute to our ECD community.

Thank You!

To the entire programme team, thank you for your dedication, expertise, and kindness. Your hard work has made a significant difference in my professional growth and, more importantly, in the lives of the children I work with.

Warm regards,

Genevieve Abrahams

Grassroots Annual Report for 01 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 is in the link below:
19/11/2025

Grassroots Annual Report for 01 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 is in the link below:

New month, new impact! Our Grassroots Newsletter celebrates achievements across our programmes and communities. Take a l...
17/11/2025

New month, new impact! Our Grassroots Newsletter celebrates achievements across our programmes and communities. Take a look at what we have been up to!

Address

335A Klipfontein Road
Cape Town
7780

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 16:30
Tuesday 09:00 - 16:30
Wednesday 09:00 - 16:30
Thursday 09:00 - 16:30
Friday 09:00 - 16:00

Telephone

+27216383111

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