The little ones stole the show long before the speeches even began.

Dressed in tiny gowns and caps, they sang, danced, waved at their parents and teachers, and even rehearsed their favourite classroom songs with proud confidence.

There were teary moments as audiences watched the children step onto the stage, mixed with bursts of laughter whenever a graduate missed a cue or waved a little too enthusiastically.

For The Daily Bread, the Fourways based non-profit organisation, driving this entire initiative and running the Grade 0 school for children from Msawawa informal settlement, the day meant much more than a graduation ceremony; it was a triumph.

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“We are here to celebrate the graduation of a Grade 0 school that we ran in Charlesworth,” explained director Riana Smith. “We transport them out of Msawawa every day. One of the assistant teachers even drives a taxi to get them safely to school.”

Once in Charlesworth, the children begin their morning with a wholesome breakfast before settling into class. Led by a Montessori-qualified principal, the school focuses on both academic readiness and life skills, ensuring each learner is confident and fully prepared for mainstream Grade 1 next year.

“Everything we do is to equip them to walk into their new schools with their heads held high. We are setting them up for success.”

The road to this moment hasn’t been smooth. Smith expressed deep gratitude to the donors who stepped in whenever the school needed support. “It wasn’t easy, but our donors helped us through. It’s a small contribution in the bigger world, but such an important one. These children are our future leaders.”

Adding to the excitement, each child received a surprise school pack, a gift funded entirely by Douglasdale Police Station Brigadier Arikum Veeshani. “She donated the packs herself, out of the goodness of her heart. She understands the challenges children face while growing up today.”

The packs contain essential school supplies for next year, a meaningful gesture meant to give the learners that special feeling every child remembers from receiving their very first big school backpack.

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Ward 103 councillor Lynda Shackelford was also at the forefront on the day. She said her journey within the organisation began with a simple call for help. During Covid-19 she worked tirelessly on food deliveries, particularly in Alexandra, where she still monitors feeding programmes, donation records, and accountability systems.

“We work closely with the City of Johannesburg and the Department of Social Development to ensure every charity we support is registered and does their due diligence. We don’t just give to anybody.”

As the young graduates leave for Grade 1, the organisation remains committed to guiding them. “We’re not going to let them disappear in the system,” said Smith. “We’ll follow each and every graduate on their learning journey.”

The ceremony may have marked the end of Grade 0, but for these children, their families, and the team behind the initiative, it’s the beginning of something much bigger.

“It’s wonderful to see this, and we’re not stopping here.”

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