Let’s be honest if you’re reading this, you probably care deeply about giving kids a fair shot in life. You might even be wondering how something as simple as a small monthly donation can make a real difference.
Let me tell you a story about a place called our centre.
Nestled in the colourful but struggling township of Masiphumelele, South Africa, this tiny preschool is doing something big. It’s feeding, teaching, and inspiring kids who might otherwise be spending their days at home with little structure or support.
Every morning, a small group of under-fives runs through the school gates, eager for their daily dose of play, song, stories, and laughter. Their teachers greet them with warm meals and even warmer smiles. This school run by three amazing local women has become a safe haven. And they’ve been doing it all without pay for months.
That’s where you come in.
If you’re looking to sponsor a child in South Africa, this is one of the most direct, tangible ways to help. for the community, offering quality preschool education and play-based learning to children under five years old who live in poverty. But today, our centre is in crisis. The centre needs urgent support to continue its vital work.
The Heart of Masiphumelele: Our Preschool’s Story
Tucked in the vibrant but under-resourced township of Masiphumelele affectionately known as Masiphumelele, our centre is more than just a preschool. It’s a lifeline. Nestled between informal housing and narrow lanes buzzing with children’s laughter and the hum of everyday survival, our early childhood education centre brings structure, hope, and colour into the lives of families living below the poverty line.
Every weekday morning, 21 little learners arrive at our centre, their faces lit with anticipation. For some, the two warm meals served at school might be the only ones they eat that day. For others, it’s the only place where they get undivided attention, a safe space to play, and encouragement to dream bigger. They sing songs in multiple languages, play with building blocks, splash paint across paper, and learn to count often using recycled bottle tops and hand-painted flashcards.
When the pandemic and economic downturn struck, many parents could no longer afford to send their children to school. But our centre didn’t close. Instead, its three dedicated staff members, women from the very community they serve, continued to show up daily, despite not being paid. They cooked meals on gas burners, repaired worn books, and kept the doors open through sheer determination.
Their resilience tells a powerful story, but it’s not sustainable without support.
The centre needs to enroll 50 children to cover basic operating costs and achieve sustainability. Each new child brings hope, not just for their own future, but for the centre, the staff, and the entire Masiphumelele community. Our centre is more than just a classroom. It’s a community engine for change.
Launching the our centre Scholarship Programme
To ensure our centre’s future, Action Change is proud to launch a scholarship programme aimed at sponsoring 25 children from the most vulnerable households.
By choosing to sponsor a child in South Africa, you can ensure they receive:
- Daily meals
- A year of structured learning
- Emotional and cognitive support
- Safety, care, and dignity
Your donation helps us fund these scholarships, which are priced at just £30 per child, per month. You can choose to give:
- £30 per month
- Or a one-off donation of £360 for the full year
This amount covers all essentials for one child — meals, education, supplies, and the staff needed to make it happen.
A one-time donation of £9,000 would support all 25 children for a year, delivering:
- 6,000 days of education
- 36,000 hours of pre-school learning
- Empowerment for 25 families
A Personal Touch: Meet the Child You Support
This isn’t just a number on a donation page. When you sponsor a child in South Africa through our preschool programme, you can opt in to receive quarterly updates on the child’s progress, family, and development.
It’s a meaningful way to witness the direct impact of your generosity and connect with the lives you’re changing.
Why Early Education Changes Everything
According to UNICEF, early childhood development programmes can yield a return on investment of up to 13% per year per child through better education, economic, health, and social outcomes.
In South Africa, children from disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to attend pre-primary education compared to their more affluent peers, a gap that widens existing inequalities.
Additionally, the South African government has acknowledged that expanding access to early childhood development (ECD) services is a national priority. Despite this, ECD centres like our centre remain underfunded and rely heavily on private donations and community support.
The ripple effect of investing in early learning is immense. When a child is given the right start, their chances of staying in school, gaining employment, and breaking the cycle of poverty dramatically increase.
Why Partnering with Our Preschool Makes Business Sense
If your business is seeking a meaningful way to make a difference, this is it. our centre aligns with three key UN Sustainable Development Goals:
- Goal 1: No Poverty
- Goal 4: Quality Education
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
Corporate partners benefit from:
- Measurable impact reports
- Recognition across our website and social media
- The opportunity to sponsor multiple children as part of a team or matched giving initiative
- Transparent, long-term partnerships that create real change
The Broader Mission of Action Change
At Action Change, we are committed to global capacity building and personal development. Our field projects are driven by community ownership, empowerment, and long-term sustainability. We provide scholarships, internships, and opportunities that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
This scholarship programme is a direct reflection of our mission to empower communities and provide long-term solutions that lift people out of poverty through education and opportunity.
We also offer:
- Personal development programs for our staff and volunteers
- Flexible, work-life balanced opportunities
- Transparent, measurable results in every project
Read more about our impact and vision here.
How You Can Help
- Sponsor a child in South Africa: Click here to donate on GlobalGiving
- Share this campaign: Spread the word about our projects with friends, colleagues, and on social media.
Transparency and Trust
At Action Change, we pride ourselves on transparency and measurable impact. 100% of funds raised for this scholarship go directly to our centre. Regular updates will be published on our website and shared with all donors.
We know this programme can only succeed if people like you believe in its power. The challenge is real, but so is the opportunity to create lasting change.
We’re not asking for grand gestures. Just for one small act of kindness that echoes far beyond a classroom door.
One child. One sponsor. One life changed.
Sponsor a child in South Africa today and give them more than education—you give them a future.
Action Change Scholarship Programme: FAQs
How does sponsoring a child in South Africa work?
Your monthly donation of £30 provides preschool education, meals, and learning materials for one child at our preschool Early Childhood Development Centre. Action Change ensures 100% of your donation goes directly to the project.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes, Action Change is a registered charity. Depending on your country, your donation may qualify for tax deductions. Please consult your local tax authority.
What does £30 per month actually cover?
This includes two meals per day, structured learning, art and educational supplies, staff salaries, utilities (electricity, water, gas), and building rent.
Can I receive updates about the child I sponsor?
Yes. Sponsors can opt in for quarterly updates that share stories, photos, and progress reports from the child and their family.
What if I want to donate as a business?
Corporate sponsors are welcome and can support one or multiple children. Visit our corporate giving page to explore tailored opportunities.
How else can I support Action Change?
In addition to child sponsorship, you can fundraise, volunteer virtually or in person, and support other global projects. Learn more here.
Is Action Change transparent with how funds are used?
Absolutely. We publish reports and updates on every campaign. You can view our transparency pledge and past impact here.
