What We Do

FEM Education Foundation NPC

FEM Education Foundation NPC (FEMEF) is a non-profit entity established at a general meeting of shareholders of The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (RF) Proprietary Limited (FEM) on the 19th of October 2016 as a landmark corporate social investment initiative by FEM and, by association, its policyholders and the wider construction industry. FEM has invested R1.25 billion in the foundation since 2017 enabling FEMEF to make a meaningful, systemic impact on education and leadership development in South Africa. The foundation currently advances its mission by strategically funding 11 initiatives through long-term partnerships with NPOs.

PURPOSE

To stimulate economic growth and job creation in South Africa through enabling universal access to economic participation for all in South Africa, especially the economically under-resourced and workers in the construction industry. This is achieved through improving education, leadership and skills development. The ambition is to create catalytic change in the learning ecosystem through alignment with governmental goals and encouraging collaboration through leveraging co-funding models.

FEMEF Objective 1 Focus Areas

Early Childhood Development, including teacher development

Early childhood development (ECD) is a comprehensive approach to programmes and policies for children from birth to seven years of age. Its purpose is to protect the rights of children to develop their full cognitive, emotional, social and physical potential. The quality of teachers is an essential component in effective early childhood development and there is no clear standard in the ECD sector.

Why ECD & Teacher Development?
One million children (3-5 year olds) in South Africa do not have access to ECD, which research has shown is critical to later positive learning outcomes.

Foundation Phase Literacy and Numeracy, including teacher development

The Foundation Phase is the first phase of formal schooling in South Africa. It involves teaching from the Reception Year, which is called Grade R (5-6 years of age) to Grade 3 (± 9 years of age). The focus on Literacy and Numeracy within the Foundation Phase is to ensure all children are able to read for meaning and calculate with confidence. The quality of teachers is an essential component in learner outcomes. There is a requirement to upskill new and existing teachers in how to teach reading for meaning & foundation numeracy.

Why Foundational Learning & Teacher Development?
Primary school in SA is sub-standard as evidenced by the 2021 PIRLS study where 81% of children in SA cannot read for meaning, and children are missing out on essential foundation blocks. We are prioritising early learning to build a concrete foundation of a child’s learning journey.

Construction industry business & skills development for new entrants

The construction industry is a role player to the country’s economic development and has potential to contribute to job creation both in formal employment and in small business development, thus also addressing the youth unemployment crisis.

Why construction business skills development?
In recent years, the construction industry has experienced a shortage of suitably skilled workers and competent micro-enterprises which negatively impacts the success and growth of the construction industry and the economy.

Learner leadership and resilience

Resilient learners have the ability to sustain their energy level under pressure, to cope with disruptive changes and adapt. They bounce back from setbacks. They also overcome major difficulties without engaging in dysfunctional behaviour or harming others.

Why learner leadership and resilience?
A negative school culture characterised by lack of hope, discipline and a positive work ethic in the majority of high school learners is compromised due to poor economic, and social conditions, high unemployment etc. This issue further contributes to poor academic performance, high dropout rates, learner demotivation, and violence in schools.

School management and leadership

The focus is on equipping and empowering the school management team, including the school principal and senior managers/teachers with relevant, in-demand skills.

Why school management and leadership?
For education to be successful, inspiring leaders, who can promote accountability are needed together with competent and responsible educators, who are empowered to create a sustainable impact in their teaching and school culture.

Research and evaluation

In accordance with the notion that the best use of private funding is to influence government spending, proper scientific data and information is essential. This also ensures that the funds invested actually make the impact intended through independent impact evaluation.

Why Research and Evaluation?
Funding research initiatives in education is vital because they generate evidence-based insights that improve teaching practices and policies. They help identify systemic gaps and innovative solutions, ensuring resources are directed where they have the greatest impact. Ultimately, this strengthens equity, quality, and long-term outcomes for learners.

Advocacy and collaboration

Advocacy and collaboration is required to make a real impact and may also involve pooling funds for larger initiatives.

Why advocacy and collaboration?
Advocacy builds public and political will, ensuring that interventions translate into systemic change. Without it, evidence-based solutions risk remaining isolated rather than shaping broader educational reform.