ECD Connect Program
Ensuring children between the ages of 0 to 6 have access to quality education and nutritious meals in South Africa.
Addressing food insecurity in South Africa
Approximately 20% of South Africa’s population faces moderate or severe food insecurity. In addition, food insecurity negatively impacts the health of a significant percentage of South African children.
Partnering with local ECDs
The Early Childhood Development Connect (ECD Connect) Program has a primary focus on ensuring children between the ages of 0 and 6 have access to quality education and nutritious meals.
Paving the way toward brighter futures
In partnership with local partners and school leaders in South Africa, in the past year alone, this program has supported over 1,180 ECDs, served 38,100+ people and provided more than 2.9 million meals.
Ensuring Access to Education and Nutritious Meals in South Africa
With a mission to alleviate hunger in South Africa, the Early Childhood Development Center (ECD Connect) Program, led by one of our international locations, Rise Against Hunger Africa, has a primary focus on ensuring children between the ages of 0 and 6 have access to quality education and nutritious meals. To accomplish these outcomes, the program assists early childhood development centers, also known as ECDs, to meet the Department of Basic Education standards and obtain proper registration. In partnership with local partners and school leaders in communities across South Africa, this program:
- Generates cost savings created by donated meals
- Develops long-term food security
- Assists with ECD infrastructure and educational resources
- Creates new jobs and skills development opportunities
In the past year alone, this program has supported over 1,180 ECDs, served 38,100+ people and provided more than 2.9 million meals. To learn more about the ECD Connect Program, watch the three-minute video below to see firsthand the impact that’s been made in South Africa.
A World Without Hunger
When you support Rise Against Hunger, your gift will help more children receive nourishment across the globe. Give now to change a child’s future today!
Hear from Program Participants
By partnering with local early childhood development centers and local farmers in South Africa, many lives have been nourished by the ECD Connect Program. Watch the videos below to hear from participants in the program, paving the way toward brighter futures for their families and communities.
Orange Farm Lakeside School Garden
Orange Farm Lakeside, a local garden located at Langalibalele Dube Primary School in Johannesburg, South Africa, harvests vegetables and provides produce to local ECDs in the community. Students and parents also learn the fundamentals of starting their own gardens to improve access to nutrition, leading to food security and self-sufficiency. Learn more about Orange Farm Lakeside’s remarkable impact from three program participants, including Doris, Lakeside Garden Supervisor, Ayanda, Lakeside Principal, and Mpho, Lakeside Teacher and Gift Coordinator.
Rhelokemelenge Preschool & Nursery ECD (Level 1)
Rhelokemelenge Preschool & Nursery is a level 1 early childhood development center in Meyerton, South Africa. By providing Rise Against Hunger meals at school and using the cost savings to improve educational resources, this ECD has grown significantly, supporting the nutrition and education of 30 children. Find out more about this center from two program participants, including Maria, Director of the Rhelokemelenge Preschool & Nursery, and Joyce, a parent of an enrolled student, and the impact it has made in the local community.
MorningStar ECD (Level 4)
MorningStar is a level 4 early childhood development center in Johannesburg, South Africa. Through the distribution of Rise Against Hunger meals, children receive the nutrition they need to thrive while gaining access to a quality education. MorningStar’s infrastructure has also expanded into a thriving space with a kitchen, outdoor area, and multiple classrooms for 35 children. Watch this video to hear from two program participants, including Sanna, MorningStar Founder and Principal, and Irene, a parent of a MorningStar child.
Place of Hope Community Garden
Place of Hope, a community garden in Johannesburg, South Africa, harvests vegetables, such as carrots, onions, spinach, kale and tomatoes, and donates them to local early childhood development centers. By gardening a wide range of vegetables, Place of Hope is improving food security, nourishing lives and cultivating community life and opportunities. Hear from two program participants, including Thompson, program supervisor and owner of the Place of Hope garden, and Brian Nell, Rise Against Hunger Africa CEO.
Real-Life Impact in South Africa
Littlest Ones: Early Childhood Nutrition and Community Empowerment in South Africa
You’ll Be So Inspired by This Story of a Community Garden that Is Providing Bountiful Produce in South Africa
This Preschool and Nursery in South Africa Provides Children With Nutritious Meals and Education
The Children of MorningStar Shine: This Early Childhood Development Center Supports Education and Nutrition in South Africa
Place of Hope: How a Community Garden Is Growing Opportunities for Nutrition and Education
