Centre aims to provide healthy oasis for Dalton crèche
A crèche situated at Dalton precinct is in dire need of decent premises, which according to its founder would provide a healthier, peaceful environment conducive to learning for young minds.
THE Denis Hurley Centre (DHC) is looking forward to the start of the new school year and preparing the next group of Grades 0 and 00 children for primary school.
The Denis Hurley Centre Crèche has for eight years been running a clinic and a crèche next to the Dalton Beer Hall on Sydney Road. About 200-300 homeless people live there, including a number of mothers with children.
“In one form or another this project has been going for eight years – it is unnerving to think that the first children whom we helped prepare to enter primary school are now completing their first year of high school. Each year we have around 15 children enrolled for a full five-day-a-week programme to prepare them for formal school and start them on the journey of learning,” said DHC director, Dr Raymond Perrier.
Also read: Dalton creche goes digital
The crèche teacher, Nombulelo Bambayi, is on loan from the International Montessori Association and is assisted by Zovuyo Ncayiyana, a member of the Dalton community. The crèche receives help from the Umbilo Business Association, Durban Botanic Gardens, local donors, and from Izingane Happy Foundation, a Dutch NGO.
“The area around the crèche is a disgraceful mess of litter and sewage, despite repeated promises to clear it up. The Denis Hurley Centre aims to provide these young people with a healthy oasis of peace and safety.
“The mothers (there are rarely fathers present) are keen that their children get a good start but do not have the resources to provide it. The two years of free pre-schooling that we offer is invaluable to ensure that the children do not start with an even greater disadvantage,” added Perrier.
The end of the school year was marked by a graduation ceremony. Five of the children are moving on to start at primary school, and 10 others will return shortly to be joined by new recruits.
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