Struisies Play School & Family Centre is a community-based early childhood development (ECD) and family support initiative located in Struisbaai, South Africa. The organisation works to strengthen families and support young children during the most vital stages of development. Recognising that the first years of life shape a child’s lifelong health, learning, and wellbeing, Struisies focuses on supporting children, parents, and caregivers during the First 1000 Days of life and the early childhood years.

Through holistic programmes, community partnerships, and family-centred support, the organisation aims to build stronger families and brighter futures for children in Struisbaai and neighbouring communities.

For many years, Struisbaai had only one registered ECD centre serving children aged 3–5 years through half-day programmes. Services for infants and toddlers were limited, and there was minimal structured support for parents and caregivers during the early developmental stages of their children. There was also little focus on the First 1000 Days of life, a critical window for brain development, health, and long-term well-being.

In response to these gaps, the Struisies Early Learning & Family Support Programme was established. The initiative provides a holistic, community-driven model that supports families, strengthens parenting capacity, and lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

• 150 children aged 0–2 supported through home-visiting and parenting programmes
• 60+ children aged 3–5 participating in structured early learning programmes
• 100 pregnant women supported each year through First 1000 Days workshops
• 200 families reached through book-sharing, nutrition, and parenting support programmes

These programmes contribute to building a sustainable and inclusive ECD ecosystem for Struisbaai and neighbouring communities.

Research shows that 90% of brain development occurs before the age of five. Investing in early childhood has lifelong benefits for children, families, and communities.

Children raised in nurturing environments are more likely to perform better at school, develop stronger emotional and social skills, grow into healthier adults, and contribute positively to their communities.

Early Learning Programmes

Structured play-based learning opportunities for children aged 3–5, focusing on cognitive, emotional, and social development.

First 1000 Days Programme

Support for pregnant women and parents of infants, including workshops on nutrition, early stimulation, and responsive caregiving.

Home Visiting Programme

Community-based facilitators visit families with young children aged 0–2, providing guidance on parenting, early learning, and child wellbeing.

Book-Sharing and Parenting Support

Interactive book-sharing programmes promote language development while empowering parents to actively support their child’s learning.

Community Training

Training and employment of local early learning practitioners to strengthen community capacity and create local employment opportunities.

• Care First
• Play is the Work of the Child
• Parents as Partners
• Early Intervention, Lasting Impact
• Dignity, Access and Inclusion

Struisies Play School & Family Centre partners with Mikhulu Trust to strengthen the quality of early learning and parent support programmes. Through this partnership, Mikhulu Trust provides specialised training and ongoing mentorship to staff members, equipping them with evidence-based tools to support early childhood development and responsive caregiving. The training focuses particularly on book-sharing methodologies that promote early language development, bonding, and cognitive growth in young children. And Mikhulu has committed to support strengthen Struises Naturing Family Centres and other Family Strengthening Programmes. 

Struisies Play School & Family Centre works collaboratively with community stakeholders, health services, early learning practitioners, and families to create a supportive ecosystem for young children. Partnerships help extend the organisation’s reach and ensure that families receive integrated services that support both child development and caregiver wellbeing.

The organisation aims to expand access to high-quality early childhood services in Struisbaai and surrounding communities. Future priorities include strengthening early learning infrastructure, expanding family support programmes, training more local practitioners, and reaching more vulnerable families during the critical early years of a child’s life.