HEN

HOPE worldwide SA Early Childhood Development Network

The HOPE worldwide SA Early Childhood Development Network (HEN) strengthens Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres across South Africa by providing the training, resources, and support they need to meet the Department of Basic Education (DBE) standards. This enables them to qualify for subsidies and deliver high-quality education and care to young children.

HEN focuses on capacity building, helping ECD centres improve their infrastructure, teaching methods, and compliance with government regulations. Through the ECD Practitioners Network, we connect educators and caregivers to mentorship, best practices, and ongoing professional development, empowering them to create safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environments.

By equipping ECD centres with the tools they need to succeed, HEN plays a vital role in shaping the future of early childhood education—ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has access to quality learning experiences that lay the foundation for lifelong success.

📅 Application Deadline: 28 November 2025

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General Information

1. What is the HOPE worldwide SA Early Childhood Development Network (HEN)?
HEN is a programme that supports Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres by providing training, resources, and guidance to help them meet national standards and improve the quality of education and care for young children.

2. Who can join HEN?
Any ECD centre practitioner or manager looking to improve their skills, access resources, and comply with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) requirements can apply to be part of the network.

3. Why is HEN important for ECD centres?
HEN helps centres meet DBE regulations, qualify for government subsidies, improve learning environments, and provide better early childhood education.

Application Process

4. How do I apply to join HEN?
Applications open in August 2025. Interested ECD centres and practitioners can apply through the link which will be provided upon the opening of applications.

5. What are the requirements for joining HEN?
Centres must operate in a building structure and have been activily running for 12 months.

6. Is there a fee to join the network?
Yes, there is a R150 registration fee upon acceptance, along with a once-off annual affiliation fee of R900, bringing the total to R1,050 per year.

 

Training & Support

7. What kind of support does HEN offer?
HEN provides:

    • Assistance with complying to government norms and standards
    • Listing on the National HEN Database
    • Access to available training for ECD practitioners and Managers
    • Priority access to main organisation funding opportunities
    • Priority invites to HEN related events
    • Advanced notice of funding opportunities
    • A voice and representative in national debates
    • Representation in key decision making meetings
    • Access to all round information in the sector
    • A link and network to build new & lasting relationships

8. Does HEN provide financial assistance to ECD centres?
HEN does not offer direct funding, but we guide centres on how to apply for government subsidies and external funding opportunities. 

 

Compliance & Accreditation

9. Can HEN help my centre get registered with the DBE?
Yes, we assist ECD centres in understanding and fulfilling the legal and administrative steps required for registration.

 

After Joining HEN

10. What happens after my ECD centre joins HEN?
Your centre will gain access to ongoing training, mentorship, and support to improve the quality of education and care you provide.

11. Does HEN offer site visits or monitoring?
Yes, we conduct on-site assessments and visits before the application is approved.

12. How can I stay updated on HEN activities and opportunities?
Members receive regular updates, opportunities, and invitations to workshops and networking events communicated over a WhatsApp group.

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