A partnership between Rainbow Chicken and the Do More Foundation is strengthening early childhood development systems across Worcester, Hammarsdale and Rustenburg through community-led support.
Through the initiative, 7,587 children across priority communities are receiving improved early learning support and daily nutrition. Over the past financial year, more than 1.25 million DoMore Porridge meals were distributed across Worcester, Hammarsdale and Rustenburg, reinforcing food security and healthy development outcomes.
Currently, 210 ECD practitioners and 32 day-mothers operate company-supported programmes, forming a growing network of community-based early childhood systems. The partnership has strengthened 168 ECD centres surrounding Rainbow operations, including the installation of 50 vegetable gardens and water tanks to support long-term food sustainability for children and families.
“At Rainbow, our purpose is to nourish the nation and that responsibility goes beyond the food we produce. It extends to strengthening the communities that sustain us,” said Kerry van der Merwe, Chief Financial Officer at Rainbow Chicken. “Supporting early childhood development is about building resilient foundations and ensuring centres are equipped to serve families with dignity.”
For many women, leadership within ECD centres represents both employment and enterprise opportunity. Programmes such as EAT LOVE PLAY TALK also equip parents and caregivers with practical tools around nutrition, attachment, play-based learning and early language development.
Using a train-the-trainer approach, ECD principals and practitioners facilitate parent workshops within their own communities, creating a multiplier effect where caregivers support caregivers and small household shifts translate into long-term developmental gains.
“More and more, the role of women as business leaders in the childcare economy is being realised,” said Rebotile Motaung, Regional ECD Coordinator at the Do More Foundation, adding that continued investment is essential for sustainable livelihoods.
For day-mother Mmoni Mogorosi in Rustenburg, the impact is personal. “Even in a small home-based setting, we are helping build stronger futures for our children. Here, they are safe, stimulated and cared for — they learn, they play, they grow.”
