SmartStart Marks 10 Years of Impact

“The first years are the most important years in a child’s life. What we do now as ECD practitioners will stay with these children forever. We are more than teachers; we are contributing to the planting of a seed.” These words from Gloria Ried, a SmartStart Practitioner from Greenpoint, captured the heart of the SmartStart celebration held recently in Kimberley. 

The SmartStart community gathered to celebrate the programme’s 10 years of existence and to recognise the dedication of the practitioners who run these playgroups in their communities every day. The event was a chance to reconnect, share experiences, and acknowledge the positive impact made in the early learning space over the past decade. 

SmartStart forms part of the Lesedi Solar Park Trust’s second pillar, Enable Integrated Human Development. Through this pillar, the Trust invests in initiatives that support the growth, wellbeing, and long-term development of children and families. The early years of a child’s life are foundational. By supporting programmes like SmartStart, the Trust aims to ensure that children enter school confident, curious, and ready to learn. Strong early childhood development benefits not only the child, but the family and the wider community as well. 

As part of the celebration, SmartStarters from Postmasburg and Danielskuil were among those being recognised in several categories including long service, excellent work, best team player, dedication among the oldest male practitioners in the programme, best organiser, best leadership and mentorship, and most improved. Each award highlighted the commitment and care that practitioners bring into their work with young children. 

The keynote address was delivered by Ms. Eulalia Crisp, who encouraged practitioners to keep pouring into the lives of children, reminding them that their work has long-lasting impact. The PR Councillor for Ward 1 in Kimberley was also in attendance and reaffirmed her support for the programme. She shared how she helped introduce SmartStart to the Office of the Premier and the Office of the Mayor, emphasising the importance of collaboration in strengthening community development. 

The celebration was a reminder that early childhood development is a shared effort. Through the dedication of SmartStarters and the support of partners like the Lesedi Solar Park Trust, children across the Northern Cape are being given a strong foundation to build on for life.