Early Childhood Development

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​​The ECD programme reaches some 2,000 children per month in 27 preschools and 8 primary-schools. Some in households with a monthly income of no more than $70.  The programme includes:

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• trainining, formal and informal, of pre-school teachers

• provision of educational resources at Topsy's centre and at the schools

• regular health screening for children in the scheme - 450 per month.

• pioneering a South African invention that Topsy uses to roll-out a hearing test for children, using an app and links to medical specialists.
   

Community requests led Topsy SA to initiate the project This project encompasses the physical, cognitive, social and language requirements for the very young, disadvantaged children in the Dipaseleng communities.

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Studies show that engagement through early learning programmes give children the best chance of breaking the poverty cycle. Other benefits include 

improved social and emotional behaviour,

are less likely to drop out of school later in life,

and have increased earning potential as adults.

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Vegetable Gardens

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To set up the project, Topsy SA worked in partnership with the Food Gardens Foundation to provide gardening skills training. The fieldworkers are first trained themselves, and in turn coach and train the families. The start-up seeds, tools and expertise are provided by Topsy.

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Over the years people have left the project while others have joined. There are at least 200 gardens at any one time providing produce for approximately 6000 people.

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Community Care

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Topsy's Community Care workers make some 250 home visits every month

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They help leverage state social welfare payments as well as arranging access to Topsy's or State Medical Care  provision

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They also provide information on health and social issues to the communities and convey concerns and needs back to Topsy

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