It gives us great pleasure to share this case study of how a trust-based partnership between a funder and an organisation can drive meaningful change. While we sincerely appreciate the support we have received from various funders over the years, the reality is that traditional funding relationships can sometimes create a subtle power imbalance. Kamvalethu Foundation, however, is a shining example of what a genuine, trust-based partnership between a funder and an organisation can look like—one that prioritises collaboration and meaningful, long-term impact.
In April 2024, we came together with Kamvalethu and other organisations in our region—Jabulani Rural Health Foundation, Sustainable Coffee Bay, Educare Mpame and Layita Foundation—to establish the Wild Coast Early Childhood Development (ECD) Community of Practice (CoP). Since then, the initiative has grown into a quarterly workshop that brings together ECD practitioners from over 20 schools in our region to engage in collaborative learning, skills-sharing, and problem-solving.
The idea for the CoP stemmed from an important observation. At the start of 2024, we had a meeting with Kamvalethu and noticed a striking discrepancy in ELOM assessment results. We found that children at our ECD centres were consistently performing well, while other ECD centres in the region were struggling. This raised an important question—were certain centre-based practices leading to better outcomes, and could a collaborative approach help strengthen ECD quality across the region?
This discussion led to the creation of the Wild Coast ECD Community of Practice—a platform where ECD practitioners come together to share insights, refine teaching methodologies, and collectively improve early learning experiences for children.
At the beginning of this month, the Community of Practice hosted its third gathering. These sessions give teachers a chance to reflect on their work, discuss challenges, and celebrate their progress. The weekend away also offers a rare opportunity for them to step outside their daily routines, reconnect with peers, and return to their classrooms feeling re-energised.
We have intentionally designed the CoP to be practitioner-led, ensuring that teachers take ownership of the discussions and learning process. By keeping management involvement minimal, we create an environment where educators feel comfortable stepping up, sharing openly, and discussing matters affecting them without hesitation. This approach builds confidence, strengthens leadership, and deepens their sense of professional agency.
Each CoP gathering has been unique. Some sessions have included teacher-led workshops on creative activities like arts and crafts, while others have involved external partners presenting on key ECD topics, such as data management systems for subsidy compliance. But much of the value lies in the informal moments—conversations over tea breaks or in the evenings when everyone has a chance to connect. It’s in these exchanges, whether sharing a challenge, exchanging contact details, or offering advice, that relationships are built. These connections extend beyond the gatherings, creating a network of support that continues to benefit educators long after the weekend ends.
For teachers working in remote areas, where professional development opportunities are scarce, the CoP has become an important space for growth and collaboration. It helps reduce isolation, builds peer networks, and ensures that no centre has to navigate its challenges alone. Through this initiative, we are not only strengthening classroom practices but also contributing to a more sustainable and connected ECD sector in our region.
Kamvalethu’s approach has been instrumental in making this possible. Rather than imposing rigid, top-down directives, they have engaged as true partners—listening, learning, and co-creating solutions alongside us. This is what a trust-based partnership looks like: an investment not just in programmes, but in people, relationships, and the long-term health of a sector.
As we continue to expand the Wild Coast ECD Community of Practice, we do so with the knowledge that collaboration—among educators, organisations, and funders—is key to lasting change. Through this initiative, we are strengthening early childhood education in our region while setting an example of how genuine, action-driven partnerships can create meaningful impact.
