Nine underprivileged children had a festive graduation at Happy Kids crèche in Umhlali on Saturday.

They received a certificate, report card, and a bag full of stationary for next year. Father Christmas paid a special visit to hand out gifts to start the celebrations.

However, none of this would have been possible if not for generous locals and volunteers who helped restore the day care centre.

In March, Ballito resident Charmaine Kotze stumbled across the dilapidated crèche in the S’hlalangenkani informal settlement.

She contacted her friend Bev Mileham to help raise funds to restore the building. They began searching for generous individuals and businesses to donate to the cause.

“We wanted to restore the building and improve the quality of teaching and care,” said Mileham.

“We refurbished the building, redid the roof, and had paving donated for outside.”

S’hlalangenkani residents then joined hands to complete the upgrade They erected the fence, painted the school, and installed plumbing.

Happy Kids is run by Normazwi Keteyi and her assistant, Nompumelo Nxumalo. The crèche is expanding and more funds will be needed.

For donations, Mileham can be contacted at 072 783 4900.

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