The expansion of Tamaho will accommodate 120 more learners

Tamaho Early Learning and Developmental Centre (TELDC) and its sponsor Henkel South Africa (HSA) celebrated the centre’s expansion at Katlehong, earlier this month.

Industrial and consumer goods company, Henkel South Africa has been involved in the construction and sponsorship of TELDC for 16 years.

At the beginning of the month, Ward 51 ANC Clr Tinstwalo Lumka Poki and representatives of HSA gathered at the centre in Katlehong for the ground-breaking ceremony for the expansion of the facility.

Tamaho was built and sponsored by HSA in 2007 in response to a request from the Department of Social Development for a centre for children focused on improving the quality of early childhood education.

HSA continues to contribute to the centre through donations that cover the teachers’ salaries, children’s meals, and stationery, and through volunteer work at the centre to clean, educate, paint, or help with anything needed.

The facility accommodates 80 children of three to five years, mostly from families that face socioeconomic challenges. The centre has grown with the number of students looking for a place to learn but reached its full capacity a few years ago.

It prompted the need for a second building. The expansion will allow an additional 120 children each year to access a safe learning environment and is expected to open in the first quarter of 2024.

The business director of Henkel Adhesive Technologies and Emerging Markets IMEA, Arash Radgoudarzi, said as a responsible multinational company, Henkel is always looking at ways to give back to the communities in which they operate.

He said they have adopted the Katlehong community as it is close to the Henkel site in Alrode.

“We strive to ensure the future readiness of our society and empower people through education. With the support we extend to social initiatives such as Tamaho, we are letting our communities know that our commitment goes beyond our core business. We are looking forward to accommodating more children through this expansion.”

Through Tamaho, Henkel supports children during one of the most crucial phases, when the foundation for learning in life is set.

Alongside the day-to-day organisation of education and teaching, the centre offers aftercare for children from local primary schools. It also acts as a pick-up point for medication and as a community hall. In addition, it hosts small businesses and training for the youth.

The principal and managing director of Tamaho, Modiegi Tsotetsi, said they were grateful for the support from HSA.

“A good education opens doors, empowers people to participate in society and helps them to make the most of their talents on their life journey,” said Tsotetsi.

According to Radgoudarzi, HSA’s support continues beyond the centre.

He said after the students graduate from Tamaho, Henkel stays in contact with them and follows their continuing learning journey.

“Henkel supports the Tamaho alumni by funding bursaries for higher education and continuing to work with them to ensure their success in academic excellence and future career opportunities.

“Alumni are regularly invited back to the centre to talk about their tertiary education experiences and thereby foster the passion for education in the younger generation,” he concluded.