
Thank you: Children from Acorn Day Care Centre give their display of gratitude
Recently, two pre-schools in South Africa were given special treatment, ensuring that young children have a safe, clean space in which to learn and grow
Nelisiwe Makhubu and Adel Terblanche
The Acorn Christian Day Care Centre in Franschhoek, Western Cape and Gwegweshe Day Care Centre in Mooiplaas, Eastern Cape both underwent a dramatic transformation recently, thanks to ForAfrika and its partners.
Gwegweshe Day Care Centre is located in a low-income village where most residents rely on grants or occasional contractual opportunities, given its distance from the city of East London. Many children are left to be raised by grandparents as parents leave to find work and send whatever little they earn back home.
Alcohol abuse compounds the community’s challenges, with many preferring alcoholic compensations for their work instead of money.
Harsh realities of life
For many, Gwegweshe is a haven from the harsh realities of life, where children are cared for my loving women. However, it was not a safe space for children; the buildings were dilapidated and there was concern about its structural stability.
Fortunately, after submitting a proposal to Avbob, the centre was selected as one of nine recipients of assistance from ForAfrika’s funding – for the supply of our highly nutritious porridge, CSS+ as well as a makeover.
A new classroom, flushing toilets with a septic tank, a rainwater harvesting system, a food garden were all installed and decorated brightly by volunteers. Teachers are also receiving training that will ensure that the children are adequately stimulated and well prepared to go to primary school.
Principal Nolundi xxxx is thrilled with the result and the children love their new environment.
“Engagement with the community is crucial. By fostering dialogue and understanding their needs, we can work towards sustainable solutions that align with our organization’s goals and empower the community to become more self-reliant and enterprising,” said Nelisiwe Makhubu, Community Development Officer.
Swiss in Franschhoek
At Acorn, volunteers all the way from Switzerland spent a week adding their colourful touches to four new classrooms that will safely accommodate 78 young pupils. They painted and decorated the classrooms, installed new furniture and educational equipment and even found time to entertain the children with finger painting and bubble fun.
A new kitchen and multiple toilet facilities were also installed as well as a playground with a large sandpit and jungle gym. A vegetable garden was established to promote holistic development and self-sustainability from a young age. A sizeable water tank will assist in watering the garden and offer a supply of water for the centre to use for food preparation and cleaning.
The project further ensured safety and comfort with electrical wiring upgrades and shade netting.
Before, the centre had to move a number of times because they had no formal structures. Bad weather often saw them heading to the community hall to escape the rain and wind in an attempt to ensure the children were learning and being kept safe.
Whole community benefits
Now, the children and caregivers can rest assured and know they have a place to call their own.
“Any upliftment done in Franschhoek is for the benefit of the whole community. This is definitely an achievement, well done,” said Patricia Mntunyedwa, chairperson of the local Early Childhood Development (ECD) Forum who was invited to the official handover ceremony.
By investing in these improvements, ForAfrika not only enhances the learning environment but also empowers the centres to operate effectively and sustainably.
Nelisiwe Makhubu and Adel Terblanche are Community Development Officers