Idem Smile

SMILE Education, formerly known as Idem Smile, has been a leading provider of educational materials since the 1970s. Through innovative tools, SMILE enables children to transition from hands-on experiences to abstract learning like reading and writing. The company has played a vital role in the South African education sector, having provided curriculum-linked learning kits to all nine provinces during the National Curriculum Statement implementation.

For decades, SMILE Education has been dedicated to designing and producing curriculum-linked educational materials that support childhood development. Their vertically integrated approach ensures every step, from design to distribution, meets the highest standards. SMILE’s wide range of products, including educational toys, classroom materials and school furniture, are crafted to foster cognitive, motor and emotional growth. With a focus on sustainability and quality, SMILE creates durable, eco-friendly resources that enhance learning in both home and school environments.

History

Founded in the early 1970s, Idem Smile began with the goal of providing pre-schools and junior primary schools with high-quality educational materials. The company’s products were developed in line with international standards, helping learners transition from concrete learning (hands-on, sensory experiences) to abstract learning (reading and writing). In 2003, the company was acquired by Juta Gariep Publishers, and later in 2006, it became part of NVA after the acquisition of Juta & Company LTD. SMILE Education played an essential role in the implementation of the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) in 2004, providing learning kits to all nine provinces.

Five Pillars Of Early Childhood Development

SMILE Education’s materials focus on five key areas of early childhood development:

1. Cognitive development: supporting perception, memory, reasoning, and comprehension, with tools designed to enhance cognition and problem-solving abilities.
2. Speech and language development: phonics, articulation, and communication are central to helping children develop strong language and literacy skills.
3. Gross motor skill development: encouraging the use of large muscles to improve coordination, strength, and locomotor abilities, ensuring children’s physical growth.
4. Social and emotional development: promoting self-regulation, empathy, and relationship skills, with activities that foster emotional resilience and social interaction.
5. Fine motor skill development: focused on precision and control, these activities help children develop the small muscles required for tasks such as writing and manipulating objects.

Product Range

SMILE Education offers an extensive range of educational products for both home and school environments. Their offerings include educational toys, classroom support materials and school furniture. These products are designed by educational experts and are aligned with the standards set by global and national educational departments. SMILE also provides science, technology, mathematics and social studies kits for intermediate and senior phases, ensuring comprehensive educational support.

Quality & Sustainability

SMILE Education is a vertically integrated company involved in designing, producing, marketing, distributing and selling a wide range of curriculum-linked educational products. Their commitment to high-quality standards extends across all of their processes, including plastic injection molding, wood and steel fabrication, and paper and board printing. By controlling every stage of production, SMILE ensures that their products are durable, safe, and environmentally sustainable. This integrated approach supports the development of educational materials that not only enhance children’s learning but also adhere to global sustainability efforts.