In the heart of Bonteheuwel, Cape Town, lies Kiddies Educare – an early childhood development centre where little ones are given a safe, welcoming space to play and learn, and parents have the peace of mind knowing their children are cared for.
What began as a passion project in a small space has grown into a thriving, sustainable early childhood development centre, thanks to the dedication and hard work of its founder, Zama Mbuli. While she initially lacked the resources and knowledge to provide age-appropriate teaching materials, Zama was determined to grow her business and become an accredited early childhood education centre.
Recognising her potential, Ackermans, in partnership with The Unlimited Child and the DO MORE Foundation, supported Zama on a two-year journey, equipping her with the tools and training needed to achieve accreditation – opening the door to government funding. Over the course of the partnership, we helped Zama renovate the centre, from repairing the roof and walls to painting them in bright, stimulating colours, and replacing cold, hard floors with soft rugs. Bookshelves were filled with age-appropriate books, toyboxes stocked with educational toys, and the walls adorned with beautiful posters, transforming Kiddies Educare into a welcoming space where children are encouraged to learn through play.
Beyond the funding and resources, we supported Zama in gaining a qualification in Early Childhood Development, providing her with the skills needed to offer high-quality, age-appropriate teaching. Through financial and management training, she gained the knowledge and tools to run Kiddies Educare as a sustainable business, providing jobs and growth opportunities in her community.
Today, Kiddies Educare is a registered ECD centre that has prepared hundreds of children for Grade 1 while creating jobs for local educators. With government accreditation, Zama and her centre can continue to grow, playing a vital role in shaping the future of young leaders!
