Early development and foundational learning pathways The Foundation’s ECD support focuses on ECD centres and Quintile 1 to 3 primary schools, reaching children from ages three to five, Grade R and the Foundation Phase (Grades 1 to 3). Our approach prioritises strong home language development as the gateway to future learning, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The inclusion of other foundational skills including early numeracy, home language literacy and an introduction to coding and robotics complement our approach, while teacher development and daily nutrition help ensure that children are ready to learn and able to engage fully in the classroom. Other ECD interventions across the programmes we support include occupational therapy, coaching and parent engagement for learners who may be at risk developmentally. Interventions also respond to on‑the‑ground challenges such as teacher morale. Educators, trainers and support practitioners receive specialised training in foundational skills, while centres and classrooms are equipped with play‑based and learning resources to create stimulating, supportive environments. Education Education is the foundation on which young people build their future confidence, and access opportunities, yet many learners continue to face barriers that extend beyond the classroom, including uneven early childhood preparation, limited subject support in high school and access to tertiary studies. • Strengthening early childhood readiness • Improving core academic performance • Opening doors to post‑school opportunities, and • Nurturing creativity, resilience and self-belief through experiential learning. The Sanlam Foundation’s education portfolio responds to these challenges through a holistic, cradle‑to‑career approach that supports learners at every stage of their development. Our programmes extend across the full learning ecosystem: L ore This portfolio includes ECD and Foundation Phase initiatives that build essential learning foundations, and structured academic support programmes such as the annual Sanlam Words open Worlds (WOW) Spelling Festival, the Matric Live digital tool, and Stellenbosch University’s SciMathUS university preparation programme. At the same time, programmes such as the Zip Zap Circus youth programme offer creative and experiential pathways that develop social‑emotional skills, discipline, focus and confidence. Together, these initiatives form a cohesive pipeline of learning pathways while providing learners with rounded support, unlocking their potential, helping them to remain engaged and motivated, and preparing them for the future. This integrated approach aims to ensure that more young people can thrive academically, socially and emotionally, and ultimately live with confidence as they transition to adulthood and grow their participation in the economy. KwaZulu-Natal Gauteng Eastern Cape Socio-economic development 5 5 10 15 397 310 110 Key Total Sites 20 Learners supported 1 758 Teachers supported 67 Caregivers supported 110 5 314 10 Western Cape 5 737 32 Early childhood development Sanlam Foundation Annual Report 2025 9 About this report Sanlam Foundation social impact 2025 Message from the Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Message from the Head of the Sanlam Foundation Strategic aspirations Our theory of change Programmatic performance Monitoring and evaluation Income and expense report Group-wide social impact intent Our partners
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