Thanda

Thanda is committed to supporting children and families in the rural Umzumbe Municipality of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. What began as an after-school programme has grown into a comprehensive support system that tackles generational challenges through evidence-based interventions at individual, household, and community levels. By training and employing local youth, strengthening family bonds, and fostering community cohesion, Thanda creates opportunities in an underserved region, building resilience and unlocking potential for lasting change. Early Childhood Development (ECD): Thanda offers high-quality learning opportunities for children from birth to four years old, including those with disabilities. Using Thanda’s minute-by-minute teaching plans and storybook-based curriculum in a mixed-model approach, the ECD programme focuses on building strong educational foundations through dedicated teacher support, ensuring children are well-prepared for future success. Child & Youth Development: For children aged five to seventeen, Thanda provides engaging, creative learning experiences that complement traditional education. Through enrichment activities and extracurricular learning, Thanda teaches essential life skills - referred to as "Game-Changing Skills" - such as empathy, critical thinking, and problem-solving. These programmes foster holistic development, active citizenship, and a lifelong love of reading, while building strong literacy foundations. Food Security & Economic Development: To address food insecurity, combat malnutrition, and promote self-reliance, Thanda’s programmes help households and communities establish organic gardens and smallholder farms. By advancing agroecological principles, regenerative practices, and climate-resilient interventions, Thanda encourages local enterprise growth through mentorship. These efforts strengthen community resilience, improve nutritional outcomes, and enable individuals to feed themselves and their neighbours.