Maruping Village, Northern Cape, 18 May 2026 – In the rural settlement of Maruping Village, approximately 15km from Kuruman near Kathu, a brand-new Early Childhood Development (ECD) building is opening its doors to some of South Africa’s most vulnerable children – offering not only safe classrooms and upskilled teachers, but also dignity, opportunity and hope for the future. The newly completed Reaiteka Pre-School is the result of a powerful partnership between the Santa Shoebox Project (SSP) Legacy (the socio-economic development arm of the 20-year-old children’s charity), the Centre for Early Childhood Development (CECD), Breadline Africa, and Kathu Solar Park. All of these partners are united by a shared belief that every child deserves access to quality early learning opportunities, regardless of where they are born. A safe learning space for 64 children Until recently, many of the 64 learners enrolled at the centre, all aged three to five years, were being taught in overcrowded and unsuitable conditions. While 38 children were accommodated in two prefabricated classrooms funded through the Kathu ECD Project, run by CECD and supported by Kathu Solar Park, another 26 children attended classes in a rusted corrugated iron structure that became unbearably hot in summer and freezing during winter. Kathu Solar Park also funded the building of a toilet block to replace pit latrines in 2024. Now, thanks to R900 000 in additional development funding, the children and teachers of Reaiteka Pre-School will soon have access to a brand new brick and mortar building, and improved learning spaces designed for a safer, more nurturing and stimulating environment during the most critical years of childhood development. “This project is ultimately about restoring dignity, creating opportunity and investing in the future of children who deserve every possible chance to thrive,” says Deb Zelezniak, CEO of the Santa Shoebox Project. Reaiteka Principal Vivian Kilelo says the centre currently accommodates 64 learners, with three teachers, three teaching assistants, two kitchen workers, and a gardener. “The upgraded ECD centre will make a huge difference because we can now separate the children by age group and teach them in a safe, proper classroom instead of a shack. This means better learning conditions, a more structured learning environment, and more space for each child,” says Kilelo. The impact of collective effort Zelezniak says this kind of impact work requires a collective effort, and this is why SSP Legacy is proud to partner with other credible non-profits to assist under-resourced communities. The Reaiteka project marks the first collaboration between SSP Legacy, CECD, Breadline Africa and the Kathu ECD Project, supported by Kathu Solar Park. Sarah Atmore, ECD Infrastructure Project Manager at CECD, which has been working in the Kuruman-Kathu region for three years, says this upgrade was well-deserved by the Reaiteka centre’s dedicated staff. “This team has always gone above and beyond to offer young children in their community the best quality start in life, despite tough circumstances”. For Warren Povey, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Breadline Africa, the real magic of the project is that “this incredible partnership shows that ubuntu is alive and well in South Africa”. “It’s just special to be involved in this project for the long-term with other committed partners.” Atmore adds that the project team are “people who get things done”. Beyond just infrastructure Atmore says this infrastructure upgrade would also see the existing corrugated iron structures repurposed as an indoor-outdoor activity space for art, water play and messy play. “One of the best things about this project is that the facilities serve multiple purposes, and it’s a space that the staff can be proud of.” Importantly, the project extends beyond just pure infrastructure development. Reaiteka Pre-School is one of 27 ECD centres on the Kathu ECD Project, funded by Kathu Solar Park, where centres receive comprehensive support by CECD in partnership with Africa A+ Schools. As part of this project, Reaiteka Pre-School’s teachers and leadership team are also receiving professional development support, including training in teaching and learning strategies, and leadership and governance support. In addition, the school has received new educational resources, first aid training, fire and health equipment, and assistance with the Department of Basic Education registration processes, achieving conditional registration status. Sandisiwe Mntonintshi, SED Manager at Kathu Solar Park, says: “We are proud to support ECD initiatives, as investing in young children is investing in the future of our communities. This financial assistance reflects our commitment to improving access to quality early learning opportunities, strengthening educational foundations, and creating an environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive. We aim to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of children, families, and communities” Atmore adds: “The staff have taken every opportunity to improve their skills, to improve what they’re able to offer to the children, and so it’s special to create a far safer and a far more conducive environment for early childhood development.” A turning point for the school community For Kilelo, her staff, and the Maruping community, the new building represents a turning point. “Before, we were teaching in a shack with limited space and resources. The main challenges were overcrowding, lack of proper facilities, and difficulty separating the children by age. It made it hard to give each child the attention they needed,” says Kilelo. “We thank our partners for their support. We truly appreciate the work you do for our children… giving them a chance to learn in a proper environment.” Building a legacy of early learning and development The Reaiteka Pre-School forms part of SSP Legacy’s broader mission to create sustainable, long-term impact in vulnerable communities across South Africa. While the organisation is widely known for delivering personalised Santa Shoebox gifts to children each festive season, many people are unaware that its Legacy programme also funds and supports the building and upgrading of remote ECD centres, as well as teacher training and reading corners nationwide. Over the years, SSP Legacy has helped reach more than 180 000 children through these initiatives. Reaiteka is its eighth school Read more…
