As a leading Early Childhood Development (ECD) non-profit organization, we are committed to empowering communities and transforming lives, in the rural uMzinyathi district, of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Through our play-based programs, which reach even the most remote households, over 2,000 young children are now thriving—laughing, learning, and growing!
Welcome to LETCEE, founded in 1993 and recognized by UNICEF as a model of excellence. Our holistic approach, integrating education, nutrition, and community development, ensures a lasting impact on the lives we touch.
The following is a concise overview of the key challenges faced by communities in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), particularly in the rural uMzinyathi District, and how LETCEE addresses them with innovative solutions. For each challenge it outlines LETCEE's targeted programs and initiatives, followed by their measurable impacts. Readers can expect a clear problem-solution-impact framework, highlighting LETCEE's commitment to transforming lives across all age groups in underserved communities.
Only 23.8% of KZN children aged 0–4 attend formal ECD facilities.
72.8% staying home due to poverty or lack of registered centres.
Many of KZN's 6,200 ECD programmes are unregistered.
Operates 6 registered ECD centres, serving 300 children aged 2–5 with play-based learning.
Deploys 42 (Abahambi) facilitators to deliver mobile playgroups and home visits, reaching 1,089 children in rural areas.
Partners with Smart Start, supporting 1090 franchisees to deliver quality ECD to over 11000 children.
LETCEE serves 14389 young children in ECD across all projects (300 in centres, 1,089 via Abahambi, over 2,000 via toy libraries,11000-Smart Start), integrating education, nutrition, and community development.
Only 45.7% of children aged 50–59 months in ECD programmes are on track for literacy, with KZN facing resource constraints.
Supports 240 primary school children (Grades R–3) across 8 sites with literacy and numeracy sessions.
Provides toy libraries to over 2,000 children, fostering early literacy.
Partners with VVOB for the Funda Udlale Nathi project to enhance ECD pedagogy.
Improves foundational skills for 240 primary school children and thousands more through early literacy initiatives, with 383 practitioners trained and 45 graduates equipped to support learning.
25% of KZN children under 5 are stunted due to undernutrition.
Serves daily meals to 300 children at ECD centres.
Supports community gardens for food security and income generation.
Reduces malnutrition for 300 children, supporting cognitive development and family resilience for hundreds of households, enhanced by garden initiatives.
80% of KZN children live below the poverty line.
17% are orphans, limiting ECD access.
Offers affordable ECD services and social service support for birth certificates and grants, reaching numerous parents/caregivers.
Runs parenting workshops to strengthen family units for caregivers in uMzinyathi and uMvoti.
Empowers vulnerable families, ensuring access to essential services for hundreds of children and their caregivers, supported by 383 trained practitioners.
Children with disabilities lack inclusive education and support.
Supports 91 children with disabilities through playgroups, therapy, and caregiver training.
Promotes inclusivity, enabling 91 children with disabilities to thrive, with ongoing support from trained facilitators and caregivers.
High unemployment rates among KZN youth (over 50% for ages 15–34) and limited access to vocational training hinder future opportunities in rural areas like uMzinyathi.
PowerGirls Program: Trains 192 girls aged 9–16 across 4 sites with life skills and confidence building activities.
Boys Programme: Supports 20 boys aged 8–13 with leadership and emotional resilience training, resumed in 2025.
Offers NQF Level 4 training, with 383 practitioners trained and 45 graduates, some of whom mentor youth in community programs.
Empowers 212 youth (192 girls, 20 boys) with skills for future employment, fostering resilience and leadership, with trained graduates extending support to rural communities.
A clear problem-solution-impact framework, highlighting LETCEE's commitment to transforming lives across all age groups in underserved communities.
A diverse group of passionate minds and creative hands, united by determination, compassion, and the belief that every child deserves an equal start and limitless futures.
Behind every life, we touch is a team of dedicated and skilled passionate individuals. At LETCEE, our staff, facilitators, and board members bring together years of experience, heart-led leadership, and deep community connection. Whether they're leading training sessions, supporting playgroups, or strengthening partnerships, our team is united by a shared belief:
That empowering children means empowering the future.
