Inclusion, rehabilitation therapy, school readiness and early learning for children with disabilities in rural KwaZulu‑Natal, South Africa.
174
children with disabilities and their families supported in 2025
7,000+
home visits through the Inclusion and Early Learning programmes in 2025
1,300+
direct beneficiaries across our programmes in 2025
About this partner
Half a million children with disabilities have been excluded from South Africa's schooling system. In rural KwaZulu-Natal, Siyakwazi works with families, preschools and primary schools so children under seven can learn and belong alongside their peers.
Siyakwazi was founded in 2013 to provide specialised, inclusive services for children with disabilities in rural KwaZulu-Natal, in one of the poorest and most under-resourced areas of the province. We began by supporting inclusion in local early learning centres, working with families at home and supporting local schools. Over time, that work grew into a connected system of support: rehabilitation therapy, early identification of children at risk of falling behind, and learning support for babies in their first 1,000 days. Much of our work is done by Siyasizas, isiZulu for "we support." They are local team members, some of whom have disabilities themselves or have family members who do.
Siyakwazi runs four connected programmes: Inclusion, Rehabilitation Therapy, School Readiness and Early Learning. Families raising children with disabilities in rural communities are often left to navigate fragmented services alone. We bring together early learning, rehabilitation therapy, inclusive education and family support. This creates a continuum of care that follows a child from infancy to school age, strengthens families and helps children thrive.
01
Children with disabilities under 7, and their families
Siyasizas visit children at home, in preschools and in schools. They build on each child's strengths and show families and teachers practical ways to support the child's wellbeing, participation and learning.
02
Children with disabilities and their caregivers
Each term, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech and language therapists provide personalised therapy. They also equip families with the skills to continue supporting their child at home.
03
Children from pre-Grade R to Grade 1
Through Red Flag Screening, children with barriers to learning are identified early. A targeted catch-up programme then helps them overcome those barriers before they fall too far behind.
04
Babies and toddlers, birth to 2, and their caregivers
Home visitors support parents in the first 1,000 days through responsive caregiving, play and early stimulation that build healthy development from infancy to toddlerhood.
Even Ground has supported Siyakwazi since 2018.
A story from Siyakwazi
Nosipho Gasa is a dedicated disability justice advocate and area manager with Siyakwazi, determined to transform perspectives on disability in her community. Growing up in Mzimhlophe, Nosipho's journey led her back home to work first as a volunteer for children with disabilities. Through working closely with young children with disabilities and their families, Nosipho has become a fierce and committed leader and advocate for children with disabilities in her own community and beyond.
Support Even Ground
Donations are made to Even Ground and help fund community-led programs like Siyakwazi's across South Africa. Even Ground is a US 501(c)(3); contributions are tax-deductible.
A full year of occupational and physical therapy for a rural child with disabilities.
Give $500Red Flag screening across an additional pre-Grade R cohort: early identification for families that would otherwise have no specialist services.
Give $1,000
