Shantal Vivekanandan and Ntabiseng Sithole are hailed aslifesavers by many Johannesburgparents. During school holidays their business, Tiny Feet Giant Leaps, engageschildren in a range of edutainment activities. “Children have more time offthan their parents and, because most households are dual income with both parentsworking, school holidays present a real challenge,” says Vivekanandan.
Adding somethingextra
While other ‘holiday camps’ exist, Tiny Feet Giant Leapsdifferentiates itself in the market by providing enrichment for children inaddition to entertainment. Each day over a five-day period children exploreactivities in the areas of arts and culture, heritage, technology, nature, ecoand history. “What we offer gives parents peace of mind because their childrenare receiving optimal stimulation while socialising with their peers, insteadof being stuck in front of a computer game at home all day,” she adds. The company markets its services through schools and,interestingly, hotels. “Many people staying in hotels battle to find worthwhileentertainment for their children, particularly in Johannesburg, so this has offered usadditional opportunities,” says Vivekanandan. Tiny Hands Giant Leaps alsooffers full party services and school party services, taking the hassle oforganising these events away from busy parents.
Diversifying theOffering
Recently, the company has also started to target corporateorganisations’ CSI programmes. “Many children in care organisations lack theopportunity to experience things like a visit to the planetarium, or a day at anature park. NGOs invest their limited funds in the basics like education,shelter and food, and that leaves little left over for edutainment,” saysVivekanandan. By approaching the corporate organisations that fund NGOprojects, Tiny Hands Giant Leaps can offer these experiences to underprivilegedchildren. “This provides them with an opportunity to add additional value tothe CSI projects they support. Then we also partner with the employee volunteerprogrammes within businesses’ CSI programmes, and provide a structured vehiclefor staff to get involved. This meets one of businesses’ many CSI needs,”Vivekanandan explains, adding, “It’s a win-win situation for all.”www.tinyfeetgiantleaps.co.zaor call
+27 84 700 1099 or +27 73 964 4771.