Help us create South Africa’s first dedicated Early Intervention Centre

We’re on a mission to open a specialised Early Intervention Centre in Johannesburg — a warm, purpose-built nursery designed specifically for babies and young children with Down syndrome. This will be a place where children can thrive, parents can feel supported, and early development is prioritised from the very beginning.

What We’re Building

The centre will be structured like a nursery — a safe, welcoming environment filled with colour, joy, and purpose. But unlike a typical nursery, every part of the building will be designed around the needs of young children with Down syndrome.

It will bring together all the critical expertise under one roof:

• Speech and language therapy

• Physiotherapy

• Occupational therapy

• Developmental psychology

• Special education support

• Feeding and nutrition support

• Parental coaching and guidance

• Early communication (including baby sign language)

To ensure no child is left behind, we will provide transportation services to pick up children from families who face challenges reaching the centre.

Thanks to The September Institute’s Robin Hood model, where those who can afford it help fund access for those who cannot, we will be able to make this free or affordable support a reality for all families.

Why It Matters

Early intervention can significantly improve developmental outcomes for children with Down syndrome — but access to coordinated, expert support is often limited or delayed in South Africa. Many families face barriers like cost, distance, or lack of services.

Our centre is part of The September Institute’s mission to remove those barriers by providing free and accessible therapy and support, backed by a community that shares the commitment to give every child the best possible start.

It’s more than just a building. It’s a promise to families and children: no one gets left behind.