A pair of under-resourced early childhood development centres have received donated jungle gyms, thanks to a community-driven initiative supported by The Domino Foundation in Durban North.

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Durban North resident Candy Randles rallied friends to support ECD centre owners Zikhona Diya and Happiness Zulu by donating two jungle gyms. Avah Solutions was contracted to dismantle, transport and rebuild the equipment.

“Our heart is to support Zikhona Diya and Happiness Zulu who are trying very hard to run effective early learning centres as viable small businesses.

“Being able to pay Avah Solutions to disassemble and re-build these jungle gyms ensures we could use these very generous donations effectively!” said Randles.

Avah Solutions owner Mdu Zulu carefully photographed and numbered every part of the playground equipment before dismantling it.

“I didn’t want the nightmare of not knowing which piece fitted where and I knew that I needed to make sure the children would have a securely constructed jungle gym which was safe,” he said.

The Domino Foundation’s education co-ordinator, Nicky Walton, said many ECD centres still lack playground equipment.

“We all know that the little learners’ physical development will be improved if they can clamber, climb and swing on a jungle gym, but, outdoor play also stimulates their cognitive development and their social interaction improves as well through playing together,” Walton said.

She added that jungle gyms also help preschools attract more parents and grow financially.

Anyone wishing to donate a jungle gym can contact Walton at education@domino.org.za or on 031 110 0730.

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