About VVOB in South Africa

The Context in South Africa 

South Africa has progressive education policies and high enrolment rates, yet the dropout rate is high and many learners leave school without basic reading or maths skills. Challenges include teacher shortages, high pupil-to-teacher ratios, multi-grade classes, under-resourced schools, and in general a resource poor environment.  

Socio-economic background is a big factor in access to quality education, including importantly quality early childhood development education. With 11 languages, often mixed in the same location, the language of teaching and learning can also present obstacles, and in many schools where teaching happens in home language in Foundation Phase, the switch to English or Afrikaans in grade 4 poses an additional difficulty for learners. Rural schools and under-resourced provinces face additional challenges, with teachers lacking access to the training and tools needed to create inclusive and gender-responsive classrooms.  

At the same time, South Africa is among the countries most affected by climate change, placing added pressure on education systems to prepare learners for a future shaped by environmental uncertainty. 

Our Solution 

VVOB works with the Department of Basic Education, provincial departments, and the South African Council for Educators (SACE) to design and scale sustainable continuing professional development (CPD) interventions. The CPD model weaves together in-person facilitation, online self study and structured peer learning through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to maximise impact.  

The priorities we focus on: 

• Early childhood education – helping teachers and practitioners use play-based approaches that make the first years of learning joyful and effective.
• Foundational learning – improving home-language reading in the foundation phase and mentoring newly qualified teachers so they feel confident and supported.
• Gender-responsive pedagogy – embedding equity in classrooms by equipping educators to challenge stereotypes and create learning environments where every learner can thrive.
• Climate change education – preparing young people for a future already shaped by climate change by equipping teachers and school leaders to integrate climate education into classrooms and school policies, towards building a climate resilient society. 

Also included are cross-cutting system strengthening programmes for new teacher induction, professional learning communities, educational leadership and differentiated instruction. 

Evidence of Success 

In 2019 VVOB developed an online platform while co-developed with the DBE an online learning platform enabling educators across South Africa to access CPD resources remotely, ensuring reach and flexibility in delivery. It currently (mid 2025) hosts a suite of 18 SACE endorsed courses with an enrolled user based of nearly 70,000 teachers and school leaders. It has served as a prototype for the National Institute for Curriculum and Professional Development (NICPD) Online Teacher Development Platform which integrates micro-learning and short courses with the SACE CPD system. Evidence from programmes implemented by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education indicate high completion rates, positive shifts in teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge, significant uptake of professional learning communities and enhanced instructional leadership practices. VVOB brings expertise in the design and delivery of the model in collaboration with provincial education departments. 

In the early years, play-based approaches are improving young children’s learning, while home-language instruction is improving early reading outcomes. At the same time, teachers and school leaders are learning to challenge gender stereotypes in their classrooms, and climate change education is steadily being integrated into schools, 

The Opportunity 

In 2025, South Africa holds the G20 presidency, a powerful moment to influence international education priorities. Quality Foundational Learning is firmly on the global agenda, while gender equity and climate change education are gaining momentum as critical areas for action. VVOB and partners bring proven experience in all three. By scaling these efforts, VVOB can show leadership in South Africa and on the world stage, ensuring every child has the chance to learn, grow and thrive. 

Partners 

Guided by our values of quality, integrity, respect, commitment, and innovation, we partner with national institutions to create lasting change. Our work in South Africa is only possible through such partnerships. These include: 

• The Department of Basic Education
• The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education & other provincial education departments
• The South African Council for Educators (SACE)
• Ntataise Trust
• Fundisa for Change
• Neil Butcher & Associates (NBA)
• Higher Education Institutions  

Join Us

VVOB implements blended Continuous Provincial Development reaching thousands of educators. Blended models combining online self-study and PLCs, have been successfully deployed to strengthen teaching in key priority areas as set by the provincial and national departments of education, while supporting officials to continue delivering high-quality CPD. 

If you want to help strengthen South Africa’s education system so that every learner has access to quality teaching and leadership, VVOB is the partner to work with. Together, we can support teachers and school leaders with the tools and training they need, embed effective practices in the system, and ensure progress that lasts.

Contact us