Call for Submissions: ECD Design Competition – Beyond the Classroom

Designers are invited to envision the future of early childhood development (ECD) infrastructure in South Africa through a scalable, modular, and aspirational pre-school design. This competition challenges entrants to critically analyse their design approach, considering social impact, environmental sustainability, and financial feasibility to create a model that redefines the learning spaces of tomorrow. The winning proposal will be constructed in conjunction with Education Africa’s – Social Architecture Program during 2026, serving as a prototype for the cost-effective development of high-quality pre-school infrastructure in the future. Entrants are encouraged to present bold yet practical proposals that respond to the realities of South Africa’s diverse communities, reimagining the future of early childhood education – Beyond the Classroom.