Edufundi's MISSION aims to unlock the potential of our children by promoting quality education in primary schools through teacher mentorship and support. We know that education in South Africa is currently in crisis. Our very committed and experienced team is working to change this so that all of our teachers – and in turn the children they teach – can indeed achieve their full potential.

The organisation was founded by Liz Swersky in 1998 as Edupeg. Initially supported and funded by the Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union (SACTWU), the organisation’s original aim was to help fill some of the historical gaps in our education system, with primary school maths being a particular priority. The name came from the Edupeg series of maths books and peg boards that were originally developed and used by the organisation to support maths teachers at primary schools.

Edupeg’s name changed to Edufundi in 2018. This signifies the organisation’s shift in focus over the last few years, away from the provision of resources and towards the empowerment of teachers and school leaders (educational fundis). Consequently, the Programme no longer uses the original Edupeg materials. This new approach is based on the realisation that giving teachers and school leaders intensive support to enable them to become confident and competent educators will make a significant and lasting impact on the learners with whom they interact.