Metro opens new ECD centre in Atteridgeville
Parents sign up for an 11-month programme, at R295 a month, and the centres are said to be able to look after up to 80 children.
The Tshwane metro recently launched the Mina-Soga preschool early child development (ECD) centre in Atteridgeville, Pretoria West.
MMC for community and social development Peggy de Bruin delivered the keynote address to staff, parents, members of the Tshwane metro police (TMPD), EPWP workers and the little ones that will be enjoying the facility.
“The metro is very happy to be re-opening our ECD centres after their closure due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Tshwane is the only metro in the country that provides ECD centres for residents’ children because we recognise the importance of basic education at a formative level,” said De Bruin.
Parents sign up for an 11-month programme, at R295 a month, and the centres are said to be able to look after up to 80 children each.
Mina-Soga staff pledged their undying commitment to be there for children and their parents year-round, only breaking in December.
The MMC encouraged parents and teachers to always work together as each child has different needs that should be met, and feel free to approach her should they have any challenge.
“My door is always open, if you are having any challenges, please feel free to come and talk to me. These ECDs are for you, these are your services, so let’s work with one another to ensure they run properly,” De Bruin continued.
The MMC indicated that some ECD centre buildings could be as old as 50 years, thus refurbishments had to be done before launch. It is reported that specialist chefs have been recruited to prepare meals for the children according to their nutritional requirements. Additional security has been brought on board to protect the premises from any vandalism that they are susceptible to.
Principal, Doreen Madala urged parents to comply with school rules if they are to have a successful relationship, stressing that punctuality is the most important rule to adhere to.
“School starts at 08:00, please don’t show up at 08:30 screaming at the gate, we won’t let you in. Maybe at other schools and centres they have exceptions, here, we have rules,” said Madala.
The programme looks to not just provide an aftercare-like experience for children but to integrate basic learning in the provisions as well.
Other ECD centres include Itumeleng and Boikanyong in Atteridgeville; and Mabolepi Mahlatsi, Mmagobatho, Itireleng and Tiendhleleni in Mamelodi.
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