Chic Mamas turns dream to reality
A three-classroom pre-school, with its own ablutions and new kitchen with running water was officially opened at The Valley Trust.
WHAT began as a modest plan to install a jungle gym and a container classroom has blossomed into the creation of a fully functional pre-primary school, thanks to the dedication of Chic Mamas Do Care and the support of generous sponsors.
Debbie Jones from Chic Mamas Do Care, an organisation of women who believe in the importance of early childhood development, said in 2024 M&G Investments donated funds to them.
“We needed to team up with another NGO to upgrade or uplift a school in the Highway Area. As we have three schools in Durban and the surrounding areas, so it made sense to expand our projects and move up the hill.”
The group was introduced to Sindy Mkhize, the executive director of the Valley Trust.
Also read: Pre-school receives colourful donation from Durban Chic Mamas
When Jones saw the school, she said she could see the potential of building a proper school in the Valley Trust.
“We at Chic Mamas decided to spend the money on the school only, to create a proper pre-primary school. So in February 2025, with the help of Peter van Vuuren, our builder from Valley Trading, we started with changing a one-classroom school with a kitchen into a three-classroom school, with their own ablutions and new kitchen with running water.”
Two water tanks were brought in to give the school access to water during the day as the area has water issues.
“The school now has two play areas with a flat astro playground for the children to play on, and it is fully fenced for the safety of the children.”
Jones pointed out that it has been an amazing experience to see the transformation of the school.
“The whole community has made the effort to help where they could. We are so proud of our work at the Valley Trust and we will be working on a new project next to the school in September. We are going to create an outdoor sports arena for the community. Thanks to M&G Investments for further funds they have provided for the next journey at the Valley Trust.”
In addition, Jones thanked the local sponsors that came on board to help make this dream a reality.
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