Children from a local creche danced their way to primary school as they were cheered on by their teachers, sibling, parents and community residents.
This happened at Unicorn creche, a non-profit organisation on 2nd Avenue, where 12 boys and girls completed their preparatory early childhood and development learning [ECD] under the guidance of founder and principal Joana Malinga and her teaching staff. The creche started in 2011 and carters for 50 children from six months to six years through nutritious meals, mental and physical development in readiness for further education and other life challenges. After school, they are engaged in aerobics and supervised on homework.
Malinga said the graduating children had excelled and were ready to conquer Grade 1. One of them, Thato Maseko, who wants to be a doctor, said she is ready for Grade one and the creche helped to polish her readiness.
Their send-off event was fun and befitted the festive mood and engulfed the community. They received their graduation certificates, danced to a brass band to wild ululation from the crowd and, together with the others, received presents and had a sumptuous meal.
Malinga said the school charged R150 to R250 per month, but waived the fees for children with struggling or unemployed parents. She pleaded with those able to afford the fees not to default or delay paying as this impacted on the timely provision of their children’s education and feeding. “For those who can’t pay, it’s only right to help their children as they are an asset for the nation’s future.
Malinga has level 4 ECD qualifications while her staff staff possess a range of ECD-related qualifications.
