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In the rural village of Arthur’s Seat in Bushbuckridge, a small early learning centre has become a symbol of what’s possible when people work together for the wellbeing of young children.
Founded in 2009 by Granny Mokwena, a respected member of the community, the Johana Mpheto Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre has supported local children for many years. Despite limited resources and challenging conditions, it created a safe space for learning and care, operating from a single shack for over a decade.
Today, the centre looks very different. Thanks to strong partnerships and a shared commitment to supporting young children, the centre has been upgraded into a safe, fully equipped ECD facility that now offers much more to the children and families it serves.
A collaborative effort
The project was made possible through collaboration between the DO MORE FOUNDATION, Mitsubishi, Breadline Africa, the Albert Wessels Trust, RCL FOODS, Sunbake, and Food Forward SA. Together, these partners helped build four new classrooms, proper toilet facilities, a kitchen, a sickbay, an office, and a safe outdoor play area.
This upgrade means that 65 young children now have access to a space that supports their learning, health, and emotional wellbeing. The centre is also on track to meet the requirements for formal registration, which could help it access future government funding.
Addressing urgent needs
The project also responds to urgent food security challenges in the area. With many families in Arthur’s Seat struggling to afford regular meals, the daily serving of DoMore Porridge at the centre plays a vital role. For some children, this is their only meal of the day.
“These children are at high risk of malnutrition and stunting, so it is critical that they eat a meal that is not just filling but also highly nutritious,” says Jabu Mthembu-Dlamini, Young Child Programmes Manager at the DO MORE FOUNDATION.
A space that offers more
The newly improved centre is a space where children can grow up feeling safe, supported, and ready to learn. It also supports families by giving parents and caregivers peace of mind and a reliable place for early learning.
The story of the Johana Mpheto ECD centre is one of persistence, care and partnership. It highlights the difference that can be made when communities and organisations invest in the early years of a child’s life.
At the DO MORE FOUNDATION, we remain committed to working alongside others to improve the lives of young children in South Africa - one community at a time.