At Grow ECD, we love teaming up with organisations that share our passion for empowering young learners through creative, play-based learning. That’s exactly what makes our partnership with The Reach Trust so special! Together, we’re making a difference in classrooms by putting fun, practical tools in the hands of teachers and children.
Meet “Finding Thabo”
“Finding Thabo” is a fantastic resource developed by The Reach Trust. It’s simple, it’s smart, and it’s effective! With just a booklet and a poster, this programme helps teachers spark curiosity and build important skills like literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving. It’s designed with South African children in mind, making it relatable, engaging, and, most importantly, fun!
How it all started
We were introduced to “Finding Thabo” by Andrew Rudge, and it was love at first sight! The programme’s creative, hands-on approach to learning aligned perfectly with our own philosophy at Grow ECD. We knew right away this was something we wanted to share with the teachers and children we work with.
What we’ve been up to
In 2023, we got the ball rolling by creating a special “Finding Thabo” Teacher Training Module. Here’s how we’ve been working together:
- Training Sessions: Teachers who attend our sessions leave with their very own “Finding Thabo” resources, ready to use in their classrooms.
- Literacy Festival: We gave “Finding Thabo” a starring role at our literacy festival, where teachers could win the resources as prizes.
These small steps are making big waves, helping teachers bring exciting new ideas into their classrooms.
What makes it special
The magic of “Finding Thabo” is how it reflects children’s everyday experiences, making learning feel familiar and exciting. It’s packed with creative activities that not only teach but also inspire. Teachers love how practical it is, and children love how fun it is – it’s a win-win!
Overcoming hiccups
Like anything in life, there have been a few bumps in the road. Some teachers moved on from the school before they could fully use the training and resources, but we’ve tackled this by offering the training twice a year. That way, every teacher has the chance to get involved and make the most of the resource.
Why this partnership matters
What we love most about working with The Reach Trust is how much we share the same values. Both of us believe in the power of play-based learning and keeping things simple yet impactful.
Looking ahead
The story doesn’t end here! We’re excited to keep growing this partnership, reaching more teachers and bringing the joy of “Finding Thabo” to even more classrooms.
Join us in making a difference
If you’re interested in partnering with us to expand opportunities for young learners, we’d love to hear from you!
Contact us today to explore how we can work together to transform ECD centres across South Africa.