Mobile library keeps children busy
The centre started a programme that will keep the children busy at home during the lockdown called Mobile Toys Library.
Thandanani Drop Inn centre is keeping informal settlement children busy and educated.
The centre started a programme that will keep the children busy at home during the lockdown called Mobile Toys Library.
Thabo Kgotsi of Thandanani said the Mobile Toy Library is a moving library that operate like any other early childhood development (ECD) facility.
He said it has everything needed to run an ECD facility and it provides appropriate development opportunities.
“The Mobile Toy Library was started after we realised many children in the township, especially those who are staying at informal settlement, don’t attend pre-school,” said Kgotsi.
He said early childhood development prepares children to know what is expected of them at school. For instance if they go to school unable to hold a pen it becomes a challenge for the little one and he/she can end up failing grade 1.
READ MORE: Warm blankets for Mams homeless
Mobile Toy Library aims at helping children realise their full potential and ensures the development of positive social behaviour.
“Most of the children are not attending pre-school just because they come from poor backgrounds and their parents are unable to afford pre-school due to unemployment,” he said.
“The children are taught by trained teachers who are able to deal with small children and educate them with the necessary tools,” said Kgotsi.
The centre visits different informal settlements in Mamelodi and surrounding areas on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday spending the whole day with children from 08:00 until in the afternoon.
St Francis church in Waterkloof made the project possible by donating tools like colouring books, shape toys, etc.
Kgotsi further said the centre and the church provide fresh meals for the children attending the classes.
READ MORE: Water tanks come to Mams informal settlements
“The centre also assists local learners with their school work using tablets, donated by Vodacom, equipped with the basic education programme for all the grade 1 to 12,” said Kgotsi.
The classes are held at the Thandanani Drop-in centre in Mamelodi East section SNS. Before each and every class they follow the Covid-19 precautionary measures by making sure the classrooms are sanitised and safe for everyone.
The learners are divided in groups with 20 learners per group, attending one-hour classes from Monday to Friday.
He concluded that the aim of having these classes is to keep the learners busy and help them not to fall behind with their school work.
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
