Over 3,000 Boksburg Children Missing Out on Early Learning – Local Partnership Steps In

Boksburg’s youngest children are facing an invisible crisis: at least 3,000 are growing up without access to quality early learning. But a new partnership between DO MORE FOUNDATION, ACFS Community Education & Feeding Scheme, and local businesses is working to change that, one relationship at a time.

DMF ACFS ECD caregiver parent support

More than Quick Wins: Building Trust First
Launched in Boksburg in February 2025, the DO MORE FOUNDATION’s Everyone Gets to PLAY model isn’t about quick wins or one-day events. It’s about trust, listening first, showing up consistently, and mentoring caregivers who’ve been holding communities together with little support.
“We don’t just arrive with resources – we walk alongside caregivers, showing them they are not alone in giving children the start in life they deserve,” says Rebotile Matoane, Assistant ECD Programme Manager at DO MORE FOUNDATION.

DMF ACFS ECD centre children early learning

Resilience in the Face of Poverty
The programme is bringing hope to areas like Ramaphosa, Thokoza, Katlehong, and Wattville. From unregistered ECD centres to caregivers working without resources, the focus is on mentoring, not just materials, so children get the safe, stimulating start they deserve. “Boksburg’s poverty is in plain sight, but so is its resilience. We go where others won’t, and we stay,” says Bertha Magoge, Executive Director at ACFS.

DMF ACFS ECD caregiver parent support

Call for Local Partners
The partners are now calling on local businesses, faith groups, and community leaders to join them in creating lasting change. A Partnership Breakfast will be held in October 2025 for those who want to help give every child in the East Rand a fair start in life.