Many children from under-resourced communities in South Africa grow up in a world where the magic of books and the joy of reading remain distant dreams. Without access to literacy, their futures are confined, and their potential remains untapped. Through our Early Childhood Development (ECD)programs and Learning Centre, the Mustadafin Foundation aims to break this cycle, opening doors toa brighter future. By nurturing a love for reading and expanding access to education, they bring hope, opportunity, and the transformative power of literacy to disadvantaged youth..
Recent research* paints a bleak picture: literacy levels in the country are declining. Alarmingly, most
children leave Grade 1 without knowing the alphabet, and a staggering 82% of Grade 4 learners are
unable to read for meaning. Studies also show that children who develop a love for reading early on
tend to perform better across all subjects, including mathematics.
“We believe every child deserves the gift of reading and writing,” says Ghairunisa Johnstone-
Cassiem, Director of Mustadafin Foundation. “Our dedicated team works tirelessly to equip children
with the literacy skills that will unlock doors to new possibilities. Addressing literacy at an early age is
the key to providing children with better opportunities as they progress through the education system.
At our Learning Centre in Tafelsig, we strive to welcome as many young learners as possible, but our
resources are stretched thin.”
The Learning Centre was launched after Mustadafin discovered that more than a thousand children in Tafelsig had never set foot in a classroom. Its holistic educational programme not only helps children develop literacy skills but also prepares them for formal schooling, offering a vital stepping stone into mainstream education.
“This year, we enrolled 63 learners, 14 of whom have already been placed in schools, having
acquired the literacy and numeracy skills needed to succeed. A further 14 are due to enter
mainstream schools next year. However, we still need to place 35 learners before the end of the year,”
Johnstone-Cassiem adds. “Next year, we anticipate welcoming an additional 25 learners, which
presents us with a significant challenge given our current resources, particularly in terms of learning
materials, books, qualified ECD teachers, and funding to support these young minds.”
Literacy is a fundamental skill for a child to thrive in school, and Mustadafin Foundation is calling on
businesses and individuals to be part of the solution. By contributing to this life-changing initiative, you can help ensure that every child in these vulnerable communities has the tools they need to succeed.
Whether through monetary donations, books, learning materials, or sponsorships for ECD teachers,
your support can change a child’s life.
You can contact us on:
021 633 0010
or via our whatsapp line: 071 282 7966
Our banking details are as follows:
Standard Bank
Mustadafin Foundation
Branch Code: 025909
Sadaqah Acc: 072 778 377
Zakaah Acc: 073 159 867
“If every man helps his neighbour, then who will need help
