Grow ECD Success Story | Nontobeko Gwamanda | Siyamudumisa Daycare Centre | KwaZulu-Natal
In a small community where early learning options were scarce, Nontobeko Precious Gwamanda saw an opportunity to make a difference. Driven by her deep love for children and her desire to support local mothers, she took a bold step to start Siyamudumisa Daycare Centre, a safe and nurturing space for young learners. Today, with 47 children and four dedicated teachers, her daycare is more than just a school—it’s a beacon of hope and growth for her community.
“A few years ago, I was walking in my area and I was shocked to realise that there was no Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre around,” Nontobeko recalls. With a passion for children and a determination to help mothers who needed childcare, she started Siyamudumisa from the ground up.
It wasn’t easy, but her unwavering commitment to education kept her going.
Before joining the Grow ECD Small Business Programme, Nontobeko faced many hurdles. Without proper resources, lesson plans, or a structured way to group children, running the centre was a constant struggle. “I wanted more for the children,” she says. That desire to provide better opportunities for her learners became the driving force behind her journey of growth and learning.
Joining the Grow ECD Small Business Programme marked a turning point for Nontobeko. With the tools and training provided, she:
- Learned to group children by age for age-appropriate learning.
- Accessed an NCF-aligned curriculum that’s easy for teachers to use.
- Received a classroom kit filled with resources to enhance play-based learning.
Her teachers also embraced the changes. “They love the curriculum; it’s easy to follow, and they don’t have to stress about weekly lesson plans,” she shares. The children, too, have flourished. Nontobeko beams as she describes their progress: “I can see the benefits of having a quality education in place, the children have improved and they know how to use the equipment that comes in the kit. The best thing for me is seeing how the children are learning and understanding the lessons. They are learning by playing and interacting with the kit.”
The Grow ECD Giraffe App has also transformed how Nontobeko manages her school. With features like morning registers and parent communication tools, the app saves time and simplifies everyday tasks.
“My teachers love it—they can just click to mark the register,” she says.
Beyond improving her centre’s education offering, Nontobeko has grown as a leader. From budgeting and saving to mentorship and training opportunities, she’s gained skills that have strengthened her business. “I didn’t know how to budget before, but now I do,” she says. “Grow has taught me how important it is to save for the future of my school.”
Nontobeko’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of learning. Her hard work, combined with the support and resources she’s received, has created an environment where children can thrive. “Through the mentorship that is part of the programme, they keep me focused on making sure I am running my centre like a business. I can honestly say that being part of this programme is a blessing.
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Grow ECD is an early learning social enterprise. We equip ECD businesses and organisations with the skills, support and resources they need to provide 5-star early learning for every child.