Community centre needs help

A community centre (Philasande) that has been helping residents of Villa Liza with their societal issues and taking care of their children since its inception in 2018 is appealing for donations.

The manager of the centre, located at the corner of Partridge and Pandelion roads, Phumla Sukzi told the Advertiser that the centre needs donations of building material, food, toiletries, clothes, toys, blankets, sponge mattresses and stationery, as it has opened a free ECD centre.
The centre was founded by Joyce Mtungwa.

“We established the centre we were helped by many people inside and outside of the area but now that the centre has expanded we need more help from any good Samaritan,” said Sukzi.

“We desperately need donations as more people are bringing their children to our ECD centre, but we are struggling to accommodate them because we don’t have enough essentials. Building materials are needed to expand our structure, as well as other essentials.
“We play a pivotal role in our society, such as tackling societal issues, educating young girls about teenage pregnancy and GBV and we help them to improve their self-esteem,” Sukzi said.

Mtungwa, who is also a qualified social worker and who lives in Villa Liza, said she formed the centre to help and empower her community, especially the youth.

The centre has 10 volunteers. Sylvia Dlamini, who also lives in Villa Liza and who regularly leaves her child at the Philasande centre (usually when job hunting) told the Advertiser she depends on the centre because they look after her child when she’s not around.

“Before I brought my child here I took time to evaluate the custodians of the centre and discovered they are good with children. My child was struggling academically at school but since he came to the centre he is doing well.”
To donate to the Philasande community centre call Phumla on 079 033 6531.

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