THE unveiling of a playground at The Valley Trust (TVT) recently was an exciting occasion filled with laughter and joy, as children from Halley Stott School ran about and experienced the new play area for the first time.

The opening of the ground was made possible by Chic Mamas Do Care, an organisation of women who believe in the importance of early childhood development.

TVT is an NPO established in 1953 and is situated in the Valley of 1000 Hills.

Chic Mama’s Debbie Jones said when their organisation started working with The Valley Trust, their first objective was to upgrade the Halley Stott School, and if they got more funding from M&G Investments, they would design a playground on the old tennis court for the school and community to use.

Also read: Valley Trust celebrates 70th anniversary

Last year, a fully functional pre-primary school, a three-classroom pre-school, with its own ablutions and new kitchen with running water, was officially opened.

Jones said it has been very exciting for The Valley Trust and Chic Mamas Do Care Durban to see the completion of this Interactive Playground.

“The Valley Trust is going to hire the playground out to schools in the area to use for training for netball, basketball and soccer.

“Hiring it out for birthday parties too will help in raising funds to build a deck on the outside of the playground, for tables and chairs. Hopefully they will raise enough funds to install lights so that they can use the area at night too,” said a proud Jones.

She added the playground was built for young and older children.

“We are hoping that this Interactive Playground will provide a safe, active place for the children in the area.”

Jones was involved as project manager with the upgrade of the school and designing the Interactive Playground.

Together with The Grass Warehouse, Kimbracron – Jungle Kids, Umandarr Trading – RBS and Tenecon Surfaces, the project was finished at the end of February.

“As an NPO, we are very grateful to M&G Investments for having the faith to invest with us in changing the lives of the people living in the Valley. We are hoping to carry on with another project in The Valley Trust later in 2026 or 2027, if we receive more funding. This will be to convert old buildings into a Junior Primary School,” said Jones.

Valley Trust director Sindi Mkhize sincerely thanked Chic Mamas and M&G Investments for sponsoring their new playground.

“It brings real change to our community and is making a huge difference in creating a safe and joyful space for our children to play, grow and thrive. Bit by bit, our dream is becoming a reality, and Chic Mamas is helping us realise that dream. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and belief in our community,” said a grateful Mkhize.

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