Standard Bank Tutuwa Community Foundation: Helping Unlock Potential in Rustenburg

South Africa’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) sector faces immense challenges, but strategic investment and collaboration can transform lives. The partnership between the Foundation and the DO MORE FOUNDATION exemplifies the power of collective action in addressing systemic issues and creating meaningful change for young children and their communities.

Established by Standard Bank in 2016, the Tutuwa Community Foundation focuses on uplifting communities through poverty alleviation and economic development of young people. Central to this mission is investing in young children, recognizing the importance of ECD in shaping cognitive, emotional, and social development.

The 2021 Thrive by Five Index shows that more than 3.2 million children under five in South Africa lack access to quality early learning programs. This absence of foundational learning not only affects academic performance but also limits future socio-economic opportunities. The Foundation’s vision of “a South Africa whose youth are inspired, supported, and working to reach their full potential” recognizes that investing in ECD is essential to breaking the cycle of poverty and building stronger communities.

Research supports this approach. The [World Bank highlights] that investments in ECD yield significant returns, including improved education, better health, and increased earning potential. For South Africa, addressing the ECD gap is both a moral and economic imperative.

Partnering for impact

The Foundation’s five-year funding supports DO MORE’s programmatic work in Rustenburg, North West. Together with other key partners, they are delivering a comprehensive “basket of services” to address the diverse needs of young children here: These services include:

• Nutrition to combat food insecurity. • Early learning initiatives to prepare children for school. • Caregiver support to empower families. • Infrastructure development for safe learning environments. • Capacity building for ECD practitioners. • Child protection to safeguard children’s rights. • Enterprise development to foster sustainable local economies.

The partnership operates under DO MORE’s 'Everyone Gets to PLAY' model, a community-driven approach aligned with the National Integrated Early Childhood Development Policy (NIECDP). This model prioritizes young children, ensuring their development is central to efforts to uplift under-resourced communities.

Stories of impact: The Day Mother Program

In Rustenburg, the Day Mother Program is a standout example of the partnership’s impact. This initiative supports women, known as ‘day mothers’, who provide care and early learning opportunities in their homes. The program equips them with training, resources, and mentorship to offer nurturing environments where children can thrive.

For parents, the program provides a safe and stimulating space for their children. For day mothers, it fosters empowerment and economic opportunity. This grassroots approach demonstrates how leveraging local strengths can create sustainable change.

A brighter future for South Africa’s children

The partnership between the Standard Bank Tutuwa Community Foundation and the DO MORE FOUNDATION showcases the power of collaboration in addressing South Africa’s ECD challenges. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of young children and their communities.

Partnerships like this serve as a beacon of hope, proving what is possible when we work together for a better future.