The Department of Basic Education (DBE), through the Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign (QLTC) Directorate, continues to support early learning by providing resources to help create positive and stimulating learning environments for young children.

As part of ongoing efforts to provide children with resources and opportunities to develop essential skills from a young age, Mr Jabu Hlakula, QLTC Director, Mr Frans Mokwele, representing the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), and Ms Thembiso Magajana, CEO of Social Coding, handed over educational resources to support learners at Supatsela Primary School and Maebaneng Preschool on 21 October 2026, both located in Dennilton, Limpopo Province. Donated by Social Coding, an organisation that uplifts rural communities through technology, the educational resources included age-appropriate toys, a laptop, graded readers, and school shoes.

Mr Hlakula emphasised that mobilising social partners to support initiatives such as these creates a strong foundation for ECD learners as they prepare to enter the Foundation Phase: “I believe the Foundation Phase has a significant impact on all subsequent stages of schooling, including the Intermediate Phase, the Further Education and Training (FET) Phase, and ultimately higher education. As QLTC we have taken a proactive approach in addressing some of these challenges identified during our school monitoring visits and are committed in supporting schools where the need is the greatest”.

In his address to the schooling community, Mr Mokwele emphasised the importance of educational toys and play in stimulating young minds: “These resources encourage critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving whilst laying a strong foundation for learning.” Beyond the provision of resources, Mr Mokwele emphasised the importance of parents and communities working together to support children’s education. “Creating a better learning environment requires collective effort. Each of us, the schools, families, and communities must all play our part in helping children reach their potential,” he said.

Ms Magajana, speaking on the power of collective action, said: “We believe that every young person, regardless of their background, should have equal access to digital education and opportunities. We collaborate closely with local communities to ensure that our programmes are impactful, relevant, and sustainable”.

For the young learners, the handover was about more than receiving educational resources and school shoes. It was a reminder that their learning and development matter and that they deserve environments where they can explore, ask questions and grow with confidence.

Through these initiatives, the DBE continues to highlight the importance of supporting children during their early years. By providing learning resources, addressing school needs, and encouraging collaboration between schools, parents and communities, the Department contributes to building a stronger foundation for children’s future learning and development