SmartStart Ensuring access to high-quality early learning programs

One million children in low-income communities in South Africa do not have access to   quality early learning programs, which have proven to play an integral role in a child’s social, academic and emotional development. SmartStart is a South African non-profit organization which has developed an innovative social franchise model to introduce or upgrade early education in local communities. By efficiently partnering with other NGOs to scale up the recruitment and training of local women as micro-entrepreneurs, SmartStart has become a leader in creating new opportunities for children by supporting women – and, in turn, improving the long-term prospects for both.