Our Partners in South Africa

VVOB strengthens education through partnerships. We work within existing education systems, led by the Ministry of Education and its institutions. Depending on the country, we also collaborate with universities, teacher education institutions, civil society organisations, and more.

Our Approach to Partnerships

In South Africa, VVOB works hand in hand with the Department of Basic Education, provincial education departments and the South African Council for Educators. Together with universities, civil society organisations and technical partners, we embed play-based early learning, stronger foundational reading, gender-transformative pedagogy and climate change education into national structures for teacher and school leader development. 

Our role is not to build parallel systems but to strengthen what already exists. Professional learning communities, free online courses for teachers, and evidence-based resources are co-designed with partners so that reforms are practical, sustainable and aligned with South Africa’s education priorities. 

Government Partners

Within government institutions, VVOB partners with: 

  • Department of Basic Education 
  • Provincial education departments, including KwaZulu-Natal 
  • South African Council for Educators 

We also work with higher education partners who prepare future teachers and support continuous professional development. 

Collaborating Partners

VVOB in South Africa partners with ogranisations such as Ntataise Trust and Fundisa for Change, which bring local knowledge and ensure reforms are inclusive and accessible. 

Partners like Neil Butcher and Associates, as well as VVOB’s global networks, provide evidence and expertise that inform both practice and policy. 

Our current work in South Africa is supported by Belgium and the LEGO Foundation.