𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 & 𝗛𝗢𝗣𝗘 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱𝘄𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗦𝗔’𝘀 𝗦𝗨𝗖𝗖𝗘𝗘𝗗 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲

Since its launch 12 years ago, the strong ‘SUCCEED’ partnership between HOPE worldwide SA (HWSA) and Massmart has enhanced the quality of Early Childhood Development (ECD) service delivery at thousands of ECD centres across South Africa. This month, Ratanang Educare Centre in Mamelodi East, Tshwane, became the 36th ECD centre in 2024 to receive extensive refurbishment through SUCCEED, marking another milestone in the programme’s impact. Ratanang Educare Centre, established in January 2023, was founded to provide a safe space for children, reducing the risks associated with unsupervised play in the streets of Mamelodi. By offering a nurturing environment during the day, Ratanang aims to help reduce instances of child abuse and ensure children have a safe place to learn and grow.

The centre has received a range of improvements, including freshly painted facilities, new doors and window frames, levelled grounds for play areas, new flooring tiles and ceilings, storage furniture, and painted play equipment. These upgrades have greatly enhanced the safety and functionality of the centre.

“The renovation of our infrastructure has had a tremendous impact on our ECD registration, as confirmed by the inspectors,” says Lucy Letswalo, the principal of Ratanang. “We are truly grateful for the support from HOPE worldwide SA and Massmart; it has made a huge difference for our centre and our community.”

In addition to the infrastructure upgrades, Ratanang Educare Centre staff have also received training through the HWSA ECD Network (HEN) program, equipping them with valuable skills to support the children in their care. Together, these efforts are creating a brighter future for children in Mamelodi, empowering them to thrive in a safe, stimulating and supportive environment.