By Shirley Govender @Xenor Projects
In a concerted effort to address educational disparities in under-resourced communities, social justice advocate, Zintle Tyuku, is set to launch a transformative Early Childhood Development (ECD) initiative in June 2026.
Targeting the Thembalihle and Freedom Park areas of Johannesburg South, the project aims to empower parents and caregivers to foster foundational literacy, numeracy and digital skills in children aged 4 to 8.
”We often overlook the importance of early learning phases, expecting children to excel in higher grades without a solid foundation,” Tyuku explains.
“By equipping caregivers with the necessary tools and knowledge, we can instill a culture of learning that begins at home,” she shared.
The initiative will provide resources and training to assist families in integrating educational activities into daily routines. Recognizing the challenges faced by low – income households, the programme emphasizes accessible and practical strategies to enhance children’s learning experiences.
Tyuku’s commitment to community development is deeply rooted in her personal experiences and professional background.With an Honours degree in Development Studies and International Relations from the University of the Witwatersrand, she has dedicated her career to NGOs focused on public health and education, including roles at Tekano, Mindset Network and Soul City.
Currently serving as the Organising Lead and Fellowship Coordinator at amandla.mobi, Tyuku continues to advocate for systemic change. Her passion for early education is inspired by her grandmother, a former grade one teacher, who instilled in her the value of academic confidence from a young age.
“When children are taught to value education at home, they perform better at school,” Tyuku notes.“
“Our goal is to create an environment where learning is a shared and supported journey between children and their caregivers,” Tyuku added.
The upcoming project reflects a broader commitment to addressing educational inequalities and fostering community empowerment. By focusing on early childhood development, Tyuku aims to lay the groundwork for long – term academic success and social mobility in Johannesburg’s underserved communities.
Tyuku is also a fellow of the 2024/25 Voices Fellowship Programme by Quote This Woman+ (QW+), a South African non-profit dedicated to amplifying women’s voices in the media. This fellowship, funded by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, equips women+ changemakers with communication skills to effectively advocate for their causes. Through this programme, Tyuku is enhancing her ability to spotlight the importance of early childhood education and mobilize community support.
For more information or to support this initiative, please contact Zintle Tyuku at zintletyuku@gmail.com
