The ECD Programme provides support for on average 15 independently-run township educare centres (known locally as "crèches") in the informal community of Philippi. SAEP has helped to significantly improve the capacity of these centres which serve approximately 1300 children between the ages of zero and six in one of Cape Town's poorest areas.

SAEP-ECD assists the principals to register as early childhood education centres and to receive state subsidies. SAEP-ECD also assists principals in learning to prepare budgets and fundraising proposals, manage finances, organize trainings for staff, renovate existing structures or build new centres where necessary, collect and deliver donations, and organize volunteers to help in the centres. SAEP's support does not just come in the form of material goods. The skills and knowledge we provide through training sessions, mentoring, and personal relationships enhance not only the capabilities but the self-confidence of our partner principals, staff, and management committees.

Since 2003, SAEP'S ECD Programme has improved the quality of care and physical environments of 17 ECD centres. Four ECD centres (Qhamani, Zamukhanyo, Noluthando and Noncedo) have been completely rebuilt to provide proper classrooms and sanitation facilities, while all the other centres are continuously receiving structural upgrades in a variety of ways. Side-by-side with principals and staff, SAEP has erected 6 new fences and 10 jungle gyms, repaired and replaced numerous roofs, repainted 13 classrooms, and raised money for new toys, blankets, and other supplies. SAEP also supplies e-pap, a nutrient-rich porridge, daily to the children in all partner centres. SAEP has provided training to the ECD centres in HIV/AIDS, first aid, financial management and governing body training. All of SAEP's original partner crèches are now fully registered ECD centres and are receiving the state per-child subsidy.

Under the guidance of programme founder Jane Keen, SAEP-ECD is now run by coordinator Isabel Babenschneider. The ECD Programme relies heavily on a revolving door of international and local volunteers who dedicate time from two months to two years and whose creativity and energy have long lasting effects on the children of Philippi.

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NB: SAEP-ECD is not a funder and can not assist with raising funds for other projects.