RedCap inspires learning

Siyakhula is a crèche that inspires.

As you walk in you are greeted by artwork depicting this month’s theme, shapes. The walls are covered with posters teaching the alphabet and each classroom has a maths area and childrens’ computers. Outside is a jungle gym and a vegetable patch, produce from which supplements the children’s diet.

Siyakhula is one of 53 crèches in KwaDukuza that the RedCap Foundation provides resources to and trains caregivers in the principles of Early Child Development (ECD). Marc Eslick RedCap Foundation manager said ECD aims to address children’s cognitive, social and psychological needs and it has been proven to have a positive effect on children as they develop.

The foundation identified that many crèche caregivers did not have educational backgrounds and this was having a negative impact on the children’s learning performance. Siyakhula Manager Smangele Dlamini said “You can’t just work at a creche – it has to be a calling.” Training carers gives the tools to add value to the young lives in their charge.

To promote healthy lifestyles and develop motor skills, each RedCap crèche introduces physical education at a young age.

To awaken their imagination, crèches have a ‘fantasy corner’ where children dress up, play and indulge their creativity. To encourage sociability, children work together in groups and adhere to a routine. Timetables are carefully planned to ensure a structured, varied programme.

The RedCap Foundation has provided 10 crèches with mobile libraries. These libraries contain more than a 100 books that can be wheeled around classrooms. Children are encouraged to enjoy reading the colourful books, developing an interest in literacy that will instill a love of reading.

A month’s care at the Siyakhula creche costs R70, but children are not turned away if their parents cannot pay. The creche also looks after several orphans. If anyone would like to donate to this programme visit www.redcapfoundation.org.