POLOKWANE – For the little ones at Little Bright Stars Preschool, founder Ruth Monthata continues to shine as a beacon of light.

She started the preschool in 2017, answering what she calls a calling.

Having worked at several crèches around the city, she gained valuable experience and deepened her love for children in a school setting.

But she quickly realised that passion alone was not enough and that she had to learn to manage the school as a business.

“It’s a business that requires a love for children and passion for helping them develop into productive adults one day,” she said.

Like any business, the journey has come with challenges.

Ruth remembers starting with just two learners and slowly winning the trust of parents. Today, the preschool has grown tremendously, with many children passing through its doors.

Looking ahead, Ruth hopes to one day open her own primary school, enrolling learners from Gr 1-7. For her, this dream is about creating a legacy.

She already sees the fruit of her labour, as learners who began at Little Bright Stars are thriving in primary school.

“The secret to running a good school is having a team that shares the same passion for child development,” she concluded.