New building: Bohlale’s new classroom block has been cheerfully decorated
The pre-school now boasts a new classroom block, toilets and a vegetable garden – and much more
Victor Ligidima
Never in her wildest dreams did Rebecca Tshehla imagine that Bohlale Day Care, the small pre-school she started in 2016, would receive a makeover and be transformed into a big, bright beacon of hope for her community.
But, after a comprehensive makeover, that is exactly what Bohlale is and Rebecca is overjoyed.
“I can’t believe the difference it has made,” she says from the comfort of her new office chair.
“l feel like l’m not from this village. l feel l could fly and tell the whole world that l’m blessed and honoured. I now feel like wearing high heels when l come to work!”
Rebecca adds that the makeover has transformed not only her centre but her life too.
“l receive calls of praises and some people come and congratulate me in person. So now l am a respected person in my village.”
Bohlale started with fewer than 20 children, but the enrolment steadily grew to accommodate a remarkable 90 children as word spread about Rebecca’s excellent service.
However, the growing number of children put the school’s infrastructure under immense strain. The walls of the three classrooms were cracked, as were the floors and the kitchen was not conducive to the safe preparation of food.
Collaboration
Thanks to a collaboration with Enaex Africa, Bohlale Day Care was identified as a centre worthy of a comprehensive ForAfrika makeover.
As well as a proper renovation of the existing buildings, a new classroom block and toilets have been built. Three large rainwater tanks have also been installed as well as solar panels, reducing the centre’s reliance on municipal services.
A nutritional feeding programme was launched, as well as an agricultural training programme, which included the establishment of a garden at the centre. This initiative not only provides an opportunity for the ECD principal, community and teachers to learn about farming and food production but also allows for the diversification of meals with fresh produce from the garden.
Another important intervention was the provision of teacher training for four of the caregivers. Two of them are pursuing a Level 4 Early Childhood Development (ECD) qualification and the other two teachers are enrolled in a skills development course.
The multi-pronged approach ensures that the physical facilities of the centre meet safety standards and that the centre offers an optimal learning environment for the children – on top of the excellent care they had already been receiving.
“The makeover is well deserved,” says ForAfrika’s Country Director for South Africa, Mashall Makamanzi. “Rebecca’s dedication to the children of her community is admirable. With the beautiful new facilities and additional support, she will be able to deliver an even better service than she already has.”
Victor Ligidima is Community Development Officer for Limpopo and North West provinces
