SCHOOL NEWS - As World Children's Day is observed under the theme "My Day, My Rights," Inyathelo, the South African Institute for Advancement, says a strong non-profit sector, particularly in early childhood development (ECD), is critical to respond to reports that less than one third of South African children are able to read for understanding by the end of foundation phase.

This staggering statistic means that millions of children are exiting their critical early years without the fundamental tools required to navigate the formal schooling system, let alone thrive in a complex modern world.

Inyathelo argues that the vast network of NPOs operating in the ECD space represents the nation's frontline defence against inequality. Their compliance and sustainability are therefore critical to national success.

“This is not merely an educational challenge. It is an economic and moral catastrophe that begins long before a child reaches Grade 4,” said Feryal Domingo, Acting Executive Director of Inyathelo. 

“The intervention period known as the ‘first 1,000 days’, i.e. from conception to two years, and the subsequent years of early learning are non-negotiable foundations for lifelong learning and comprehension. The reality is that much of this foundation work is carried out by the NPO sector, from daycare centres and nutrition schemes to early literacy programmes.”

These organisations are often rooted in the most impoverished communities, providing essential services that government capacity cannot fully reach. Yet a significant number of these NPOs continue to struggle with effective resource mobilisation and long-term sustainability, while also having to meet increasingly complex compliance and governance demands.

Inyathelo’s core mandate is to build sustainable, well-governed organisations. For the NPOs supporting children, sustainability is not just about financial viability. It is a critical safeguard for the children themselves. 

A compliant and sustainable NPO ensures consistent quality of care, prevents interruptions in education and nutrition programmes, and maintains ethical standards in the handling of vulnerable populations.

“We cannot expect NPOs to perform the most crucial social justice work in the country, i.e. securing the future of our children, while simultaneously fighting for their own survival,” Domingo added. “Advancement, which encompasses effective fundraising, governance, and stakeholder engagement, is the armour that allows these organisations to remain stable and focused on their mission.”

The urgency of this literacy crisis is amplified by the accelerating growth of Africa's digital economy. Projections show massive expansion driven by fintech (mobile money, digital payments), the rollout of advanced digital infrastructure (5G networks, data centres), and the widespread adoption of digital platforms for e-commerce and e-learning.

A child who cannot read for understanding will be fundamentally locked out of this future economy. 

They will be unable to engage with digital interfaces, utilise e-learning tools, or participate in the digitally-driven workforce of tomorrow. 

The literacy gap today will become the economic exclusion chasm of tomorrow, further entrenching poverty and inequality. The future of African growth requires a digital-ready populace, and literacy is the very first line of code.

Inyathelo calls upon the government, private sector donors, and philanthropists to recognise the sustainability of ECD-focused NPOs as a strategic national imperative. 

Investing in Advancement by providing training, resources, and support for governance and financial compliance is as vital as funding the programmes themselves.

The rights of every child, including the right to education and the right to a future, depend on the stability of the organisations working on the ground during their first crucial years.

“This World Children’s Day, let us commit not just to advocating for children's rights, but to actively investing in the compliant, sustainable NPOs that deliver those rights daily. Our children deserve a future where they can read, understand, and lead Africa's digital revolution, not be left behind by it,” concluded Domingo.

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’