2025 Mr Price ECD Learning Hubs Pilot Programme: best for Youth Centres
The Mr Price Foundation ECD Learning Hubs Pilot Programme empowers youth-led early childhood centres with funding, mentorship, and training in South Africa.
Mr Price Foundation ECD Learning Hubs Pilot Programme: Empowering Youth-Led Early Childhood Centres in South Africa
Early Childhood Development (ECD) is one of the most vital stages in shaping a child’s learning, creativity, and emotional well-being. Research shows that a strong start during early years can influence a child’s lifelong success in school and work. In South Africa, many ECD centres still face challenges such as lack of resources, undertrained staff, and poor infrastructure. To help address this, the Mr Price Foundation has launched the ECD Learning Hubs Pilot Programme, aimed at empowering youth-led early learning centres to create sustainable, high-quality environments for young children.ECD Learning Hubs Pilot Programme
What Is the ECD Learning Hubs Pilot Programme?
The Mr Price Foundation ECD Learning Hubs Pilot Programme is a new initiative that supports five youth-owned or youth-managed ECD centres in South Africa. These centres will be provided with funding, mentorship, and training to help them grow into strong, independent, and impactful learning hubs.
The programme’s purpose is not only to improve the quality of early learning but also to equip young entrepreneurs and educators with the skills and tools they need to manage thriving centres. It focuses on three provinces — Limpopo, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal — where youth unemployment and education inequality remain major challenges.
Why This Programme Matters
This initiative comes at a critical time when early education needs significant improvement across South Africa. The Mr Price Foundation’s ECD Learning Hubs Pilot Programme addresses several key issues:
- Improving Access and Quality
Many children attend centres that struggle with minimal resources or outdated teaching methods. The Learning Hubs Programme aims to provide access to safe, stimulating, and well-equipped facilities that enhance school readiness. - Youth Empowerment
The programme encourages youth ownership and leadership in early education. By placing young people at the centre of community development, the initiative supports job creation, innovation, and long-term sustainability. - Sustainable Development
Rather than offering short-term donations, the Foundation provides business training, mentorship, and academic support. This ensures that ECD centres can continue operating successfully even after the initial funding period.
Who Can Apply: ECD Learning Hubs Pilot Programme Eligibility Requirements
The Mr Price Foundation has outlined clear criteria to ensure that selected centres are prepared to make the most of this opportunity.
To qualify, an ECD centre must:
- Be Youth-Led or Youth-Managed
The centre should be owned or managed by youth, typically between the ages of 18 and 35. This focus on young leadership promotes innovation and community involvement. - Be Registered
Centres must be officially registered with either the Department of Basic Education (DBE) or the Department of Social Development (DSD). Registration ensures compliance with national ECD standards and child safety regulations. - Be Operational for at Least Two Years
The programme supports centres that have been operating for at least two years and have established systems and community trust. - Have or Plan to Start an After-School Programme
Centres should already have, or plan to introduce, after-school programmes that provide children with continued learning and care beyond normal school hours. - Have Basic Infrastructure
Centres must have essential facilities, including classrooms, toilets, access to clean water, a kitchen or food-prep area, and a safe play area. - Demonstrate Motivation and Vision
Applicants must show how they plan to use the support to improve learning outcomes, upgrade facilities, or strengthen management and sustainability.
What Selected Centres Will Receive
Centres chosen for the ECD Learning Hubs Pilot Programme will receive a holistic package of support that includes funding, training, mentorship, and resources designed to build capacity in all aspects of centre management.
| Support Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding (Micro-Grant) | Up to R50,000 will be allocated to each selected centre. The funds may be used for upgrading facilities, purchasing learning materials, or improving safety and sanitation. |
| Academic Support | Centres will receive assistance to improve literacy, numeracy, and school readiness through training for teachers and practical learning tools. |
| Learning Resources | Provision of teaching aids, educational materials, and equipment to create a more engaging environment for children. |
| After-School Development | Support to start or expand after-school programmes that help children build confidence and social skills while keeping them safe. |
| Business and Operational Training | Training in financial management, compliance, administration, and growth planning to help centre owners run their operations efficiently. |
| Mentorship | Ongoing mentorship from experienced professionals in education, business, and community development, offering both practical and motivational guidance. |
How to Apply
Applications for the pilot programme are open until 31 October 2025. Interested ECD centres must submit an online application form, providing accurate information about their operations, facilities, and management.
Required Documents:
- Proof of registration with DBE or DSD
- Proof of youth ownership or management
- Photos of existing facilities (classrooms, toilets, kitchen, and play area)
- Evidence that the centre has been operational for at least two years
- Outline or plan for an after-school programme
- A motivation letter detailing the centre’s goals and development plans
Successful applicants will be contacted by the Mr Price Foundation for the next phase of evaluation and mentorship for ECD Learning Hubs Pilot Programme.
Expected Outcomes and Benefits
If implemented effectively, the programme could transform not only the selected ECD centres but also the broader communities they serve. Key expected outcomes include:
- Enhanced Early Learning Quality
Children will benefit from improved teaching methods, better learning environments, and more skilled educators — all of which contribute to school readiness and future success. - Strengthened Youth Enterprises
The programme promotes entrepreneurship by equipping young centre owners with management, communication, and leadership skills that can be used beyond the classroom. - Community Upliftment
ECD centres often serve as central spaces in communities. By improving them, the programme strengthens social bonds, parental involvement, and local development. - Job Creation
As centres expand, they will likely hire more staff, creating employment opportunities for youth and supporting local economies. - Sustainability and Replication
The pilot model can serve as a blueprint for scaling similar programmes across other provinces or nationwide, improving the entire ECD sector.
Challenges and Considerations
While the ECD Learning Hubs Pilot Programme offers immense potential, several challenges may arise:
- Ensuring ongoing monitoring and evaluation to measure success
- Expanding the programme to more centres in the future
- Addressing infrastructure challenges in rural and under-resourced areas
- Maintaining staff retention and motivation after the pilot phase ends
By anticipating these challenges, the Mr Price Foundation can strengthen the programme’s design and ensure that it delivers long-lasting impact.
Why ECD Matters for South Africa’s Future
High-quality early education is essential for reducing inequality and promoting social mobility. Children who attend well-resourced ECD centres are more likely to succeed academically and socially. Investing in early childhood education not only benefits children but also helps strengthen families, communities, and the economy.
The Mr Price Foundation’s approach — integrating education, youth empowerment, and community development — is a model that aligns with South Africa’s national goals for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Useful Links
- 🔗 Mr Price Foundation Official Website
- 🔗 ECD Registration – Department of Basic Education (DBE)
- 🔗 Department of Social Development (ECD Services)
- 🔗 Early Childhood Development Resources – UNICEF South Africa
Final Thoughts
The Mr Price Foundation ECD Learning Hubs Pilot Programme stands out as a powerful example of how public-private collaboration can transform early learning in South Africa. By supporting youth-led centres through funding, training, and mentorship, the initiative aims to break cycles of poverty and open doors for children to reach their full potential.
As the pilot unfolds, it may serve as a beacon of hope and a scalable model for future investments in education — proving that when communities, businesses, and young leaders work together, early childhood development can become the foundation for a stronger, more equitable South Africa. ECD Learning Hubs Pilot Programme
