Innovation capability and social franchising: An evaluative case study of the family in focus (fif) early childhood development programme in the Western Cape

Abstract

International research studies on early childhood development (ECD) confirm the importance of ECD as a key social policy phenomenon. In the South African context, this is a significant social developmental policy and planning consideration, where 5.3 million children under the age of 5 years, are living in households with a monthly income of R604, and only 1 million have access to ECD services. Through organisational service innovation in the Western Cape, an in-depth policy case study of the Family in Focus (FIF) programme, developed and implemented by the Western Cape Foundation for Community Work (WC FCW), may be considered a potential model for broader national policy innovation in the ECD field.