More than 700 sandwiches helped keep preschoolers energised during nine days of environmental learning at the Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve recently, thanks to a partnership between The Domino Foundation’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme and the Kinship programme.

Also read: WESSA awards Green Key certification to uMhlanga hotel

The initiative gave 80 preschoolers from Inanda the opportunity to learn through play while exploring the reserve’s rich biodiversity, including its small wildlife, more than 200 bird species and indigenous flora. Behind the scenes, Domino intern Sisanda Shange ensured the children had refreshments each day of the excursions.

“I was determined that the children would have something good to eat and drink each day while learning, playing and exploring in the reserve,” she said.

By the end of the programme, Domino had prepared 720 sandwiches for the young visitors.

Sisanda is one of two interns placed with The Domino Foundation through The Success Company as part of the Yes4Youth programme, which connects young work-seekers with employment opportunities.

Her commitment to the project reflects a journey of resilience. After her family’s Amaoti home was destroyed in the 2022 floods, they spent a year in a shelter for destitute people. Following matric, Sisanda worked long hours managing a shisanyama, where she gained valuable entrepreneurial experience despite often receiving late or unpaid wages.

Now well into her internship, she has developed skills in data capturing, reception, administration and stock logging, while also supporting Domino’s feeding initiatives.

Reflecting on the Kinship project, Sisanda said it had left a lasting impression.

“After I finish my studies, I will do a course in office administration. My dream is to have my own shisanyama business and help give my family a better life. The Kinship outings helped me understand how important it is to see what is really good and worth preserving so that everyone can benefit and make the world a better place.”

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