Youngsters from Angelo informal settlement have been applauded for achieving success under the harsh circumstances they found themselves in.
Accompanied by their parents, dozens of children of Tswelopele Crèche and Pre-School in the informal settlement celebrated their achievements during a graduation ceremony for Grade Rs, held over the weekend of December 4.
To mark the milestone in their early childhood development, the proud young graduates, clad in their graduation robes, joyously danced and received their certificates. They each revealed their respective future career choices – ranging from becoming doctors to lawyers, soldiers, police, media practitioners and teachers.
Parents who attended the event could not contain their emotions and excitement as they celebrated cheering, ululating, dancing and some shedding tears of joy when their children hit the stage to accept their certificates.
During the event, speakers told parents that they should not allow their current socio-economic status to drag them down and determine their children’s future.
They were urged to use the little resources they have to invest in their children’s education, as the development of their children is key in breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty in the community.
Speakers warned that parents’ failure to give their children the necessary support during early childhood can significantly disadvantage them and diminish their potential for success in their future educational phases.
They pointed out that a lack of early intervention by parents and local organisations would make children most likely to end up poor and jobless.
Education was punted as the most powerful weapon to use to change their lives and that of their struggling parents, who are mostly single parents.
