Nomkhosi Crèche recently welcomed local nurses who visited the school to conduct the ‘Phila Mntwana’ initiative, which aims to reduce infant and child mortality, malnutrition and illnesses caused by preventable conditions among children under the age of five.

Through this initiative, nurses provide growth monitoring, nutritional support, health education and antenatal support to promote the health and well-being of young children and their families.

School principal Nozipho Mthembu said the monthly visits play an important role in ensuring that the children receive the necessary healthcare and support as they grow.

“The nurses come every month to monitor the children, give them vitamins, de-worm them and conduct many other health-related inspections. This really helps because it reduces the number of children who miss out on immunisation and also assists parents who do not have time to take their children to clinics. For a child to grow well, they need to be monitored at every stage of their development.”

Assupol Community Trust strengthens support

Mthembu also shared that the crèche recently welcomed representatives from one of its key stakeholders, the Assupol Community Trust, who visited to evaluate the work and support provided to the school between 2019 and 2026.

Assupol Community Trust project officer in Nquthu, Sibahle Khumalo, explained that the organisation supports Nomkhosi Crèche as part of its commitment to strengthening early childhood development centres and improving access to quality early learning opportunities in under-served communities.

The support provided to the crèche includes renovations to the centre, porridge to improve the children’s nutrition, a water tank, play mats to create a better learning environment, and many other things.

“Over the years, our partnership has grown as we have provided training and capacity-building programmes for practitioners and the centre supervisor, implemented parent support programmes, provided annual seedlings to establish and sustain food gardens, as well as facilitated security screenings for staff members to strengthen child protection within the centre.”

Documentary to honour founder’s legacy

Meanwhile, Nomkhosi Crèche is preparing to release a documentary in November celebrating its founder, Mama Eunice Nomkhosi Mthembu. The documentary will honour her legacy and recognise her contribution to early childhood development, as well as the path she has paved for future generations.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.