From Playgrounds to Powerhouses: How Mr Price Foundation’s 2025 ECD Pilot Will Catapult South Africa’s Future Generation
The Mr Price Foundation invites youth‑led early childhood development centres to apply for the ECD Learning Hubs Pilot Programme. The closing date for applications is 31 October 2025.
What’s the Pilot Programme All About?
The Mr Price Foundation wants to help young people run their own early childhood learning centres in Limpopo, the Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu‑Natal. If your centre is already doing something for children, you could get:
- Up to R50,000 in money to fix up classrooms or buy new toys.
- Learning sessions that cover how to manage money, follow rules, plan learning activities and advertise your centre.
- Academic help to make sure children can read, count and get ready for school.
- A new after‑school programme so kids have a safe place to stay and learn after class.
- Guidance from business and education experts so your centre keeps growing.
- Tools and materials to make every lesson feel exciting.
With this mix of cash, skills and support, your centre can become a quality place where every child thrives.
Who Can Apply?
Only centres that are run or led by people under 30 and that already serve their community can join. These are the key points to meet:
| Requirement | What it means |
|---|---|
| Youth‑owned or youth‑managed | Most of the people in charge are under 30. |
| Officially registered | With the Department of Basic Education through Bana Pele or with the Department of Social Development. |
| At least 2 years in business | Your centre has been working for a long enough time. |
| After‑school programme ready or in the works | Kids stay after school at your centre or you plan to. |
| Basic facilities | Classrooms, toilets, water, a play area, a kitchen. |
| Ambitious and committed | You want to make the centre better and keep it running. |
If that sounds like you, keep reading.
How Do You Apply?
The whole process is online and easy to follow.
- Fill out the online form: Click here to apply now.
- Send in your documents:
- Proof that you own or manage the centre (ID copies, documents that show ownership).
- The registration certificate from DBE or DSD.
- Photos of classrooms, toilets, the play area, the kitchen.
- Proof that the centre has been open for at least two years (e.g., a letter or a line on the government register).
- A description or plan of the after‑school programme you run or will run.
- A motivation letter that says:
- Why your centre should be chosen.
- How the money will help fix or grow your centre and the after‑school programme.
Make sure everything is clear and the documents are recent.
Why This Matters
In South Africa, early childhood care is a big part of how children grow into good students and healthy adults. Many centres struggle with money and supplies. This pilot gives youth‑led centres the chance to rise, learn new skills, and build a stronger community hub.
If your centre wants more children to learn and play in a safe place, this is your chance to make it happen.
Other Cool Opportunities You Might Like
- Seta bursaries still available this year – Find out how to get a bursary with Seta.
- Seta learnerships paying over R5,000 a month – Learn about high‑paying learnerships.
- Apply online for Seta jobs with free training – Start your Seta job application here.
- Secrets to getting accepted for Seta learnerships – Get tips on how to land a learnership.
These programmes can help you and your centre grow even more.
Apply before the deadline: 31 October 2025.
Good luck, and we hope to see your youth‑led centre become a shining example of early childhood learning!
