Project Report
| Jun 18, 2026
Makana Early Education Project - June 2026
By James Harrison | Fundraiser
The fundraising environment in South Africa is very challenging at present. We have tried for more than two years to raise funds to launch the Makana Early Education Project (MEEP) but have unfortunately not succeeded.
Africa A+ Schools (A+) is currently developing a series of short courses that can potentially replace a three-year training project, and be easier to support financially.
I should perhaps clarify that the need for MEEP has not become any less. On the contrary, it was recently emphasised in a speech by President Cyril Ramaphosa that the need for Early Childhood Development is greater than ever, especially in rural areas.
A+ will continue to strive to find a way of bringing ECD teacher training to the communities of Riebeek East and Alicedale in Makana Municipality.
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Feb 13, 2026
Makana Early Education Project - February 2026
By James Harrison | Fundraiser
Dear Supporters of the Makana Early Education Project (MEEP)
Unfortunately there has been no significant progress on this project thus far.
We at Africa A+ Schools (A+) have been working hard for almost two years now to raise funds to launch MEEP. We made excellent initial progress with securing interest and commitment from the six relevant schools in the rural towns of Alicedale and Riebeek East. All our efforts since then have been focussed on obtaining funding for the three-year programme of activities. In the second half of last year (2025), we thought we might have won the battle because we seemed to have strong CSI (corporate social investment) interest from a company that operates locally. Sadly, that initiative did not come together as we hoped.
Notwithstanding disappointments, we have definitely not given up. We currently have a proposal in with another pair of companies that are engaged in a major new development in Makana Local Municipality. We gave their representatives an online presentation a couple of weeks ago, and we expect to hear something from them next week.
Please cross fingers and toes that this time we get the commitment of funds that we need to get started! The teachers and children of Alicedale and Riebeek East need our help to build quality early education in their communities.
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Oct 16, 2025
Makana progress report - October 2025
By James Harrison | Fundraiser for Africa A+ Schools
The Makana Early Education Project (MEEP) has not yet been launched. This is due to a lack of funds.
A number of funding applications for MEEP have been submitted for consideration, but have failed.
One funding application is still pending, and we are hopeful of success.
Mememoranda of Understanding have been concluded with all but one of the six schools in Riebeek East and Alicedale, so the potential to start promptly, once funds have been secured, is good.
If funding is obtained, MEEP will begin with a Baseline Study that will help to define the parameters of the project. Thereafter, quarterly training contact sessions will be held in Riebeek East and Alicedale, for three years.
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