Happy Kids Umhlali Day Care celebrated the end of the school year with a joyful graduation party on Saturday.

The non-profit early childhood development centre is a small but rapidly growing facility located in the heart of the S’hlalangenkani informal settlement in Umhlali. All children graduating to Grade R received a certificate, report card and a bag full of stationery to prepare them for the new school year.

The celebration also marked the official opening of a newly built classroom, constructed to accommodate the increasing number of children attending the centre. The day was capped off by a special visit from Santa, who delighted the children by handing out gifts.

“This has been the most rewarding project we have ever been involved in. It is wonderful to see so many people coming together for the good of these kids,” said Charmaine Kotze.

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In August 2023, Nomazwi ‘Norma’ Keteyi opened the crèche to help a handful of young children in need of care and early education. In March 2024, Ballito resident Charmaine Kotze discovered the preschool and contacted her friend Bev Mileham to help raise funds to restore the dilapidated building.

“Our mission is simple yet vital: to provide a safe, nurturing and joyful space for young children to learn, grow and be fully prepared for formal schooling, because every child deserves an education,” said Mileham.

Together, they launched an initiative to uplift and support the facility, beginning with a new name, logo and critical physical upgrades. The building was renovated, fencing installed and new toilets and a storage room were built, all made possible through generous donations and community support. Outdoor wall art was added to brighten the space and the children are now provided with breakfast and lunch daily.

The crèche, which caters to children aged one to five, has grown from a handful of pupils to 25 children in just over two years. Volunteers from Ballito regularly offer teaching support and mentorship.

“The results were astounding, higher than we had last year,” said Mileham.

“We were blown away by the children’s impeccable behaviour and beautiful manners. They are truly wonderful.”

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

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