Parenting 101 – From pregnancy to 18… We got you!!
FLU SEASON CAN BE TOUGH, ESPECIALLY FOR SMALL CHILDREN, PREGNANT WOMEN, AND OLDER ADULTS.
PROTECT YOUR LOVED ONES WITH THESE SIMPLE STEPS:
- Keep children home and rested
- Offer fluids like water, soup, or electrolyte drinks
- Monitor for high fever or breathing trouble and seek medical care if symptoms worsen
- Use age-appropriate medicine only if recommended by a healthcare provider
If you haven’t had a flu shot yet, talk to your doctor – it is safe and recommended during pregnancy and for the elderly. Watch for signs of complications, such as chest pain or confusion.
And for everyone:
• Wash hands often • cover coughs • avoid sharing utensils
Flu spreads fast, but smart actions keep everyone safer!
God Answers Day Care
In the heart of Westenburg, nestled at 23 Sterkloop Avenue, lies a haven of warmth and learning for young ones: God Answers Day Care, founded by devoted mother and former banker, Yvette Shokane.
As a proud mom to Tshepang (11), Quinton (7), and Obakeng (2), Yvette says motherhood has equipped her with unique insight and patience in running a successful daycare. “Every child is special in their own way. Being a mom allows me to approach each child with empathy and understanding. It’s not about comparing, but it definitely gives you a head start when you’ve had real-world experience with your own kids,” she shared. Although an accountant by profession, Yvette’s journey into early childhood development began unexpectedly in 2023.
“I was just helping a friend out, and when things didn’t go according to plan, I found myself gradually drawn into this world. Before I knew it, I had found my purpose,” she said. And so, God Answers Day Care was born, named in gratitude for the divine guidance. Today, Yvette leads a passionate team of five staff members who provide individual care to children from as young as six months to five years old. The centre also offers aftercare services from 13:00 to 18:00, as well as Saturday extra classes for learners in Gr R to 6.
“At God Answers, we believe in giving children the attention and love they need to thrive,” said Yvette.
God Answers Day Care places a strong emphasis on holistic child development. Children are encouraged to build social skills, develop independence, improve speech, and master important milestones like potty training and gross motor coordination.
Parents also benefit from the daycare’s structured approach. “Our teachers often notice things that even parents might miss, and we’re always communicating to ensure children’s growth is supported,” she said.
In partnership with nutritionists, the centre ensures that every child is served a balanced, healthy meal. An occupational therapist is part of the extended team. With its warm, nurturing environment and thoughtful approach to child care, God Answers Day Care is more than just a daycare, it’s a community that truly lives up to its name.
Article: Anne Mametja
ASNATH MOJAPELO
HELPING KIDS REWRITE THEIR STORIES
At the corner of Burger and Jorissen streets, lives are being changed – one child, one learner, one family at a time. This is where you’ll find Asnath Mojapelo, a dedicated educational psychologist whose life’s mission is to help children and individuals rise above emotional, academic and psychological struggles and reclaim their self-worth.
“I do this so that they can regain their self-esteem and a sense of self-worth, and live again,” says Mojapelo, a compassionate professional who has been making a difference in people’s lives since qualifying with her master’s degree in educational psychology from Wits University in 2004.
Mojapelo’s practice is rooted in her passion for not only school children, but also for adolescents, youth, couples and married couples who are navigating life’s many challenges. Her work spans across counselling support, psychometric assessments, career development, esteem building and school readiness, all delivered
with empathy, professionalism and an understanding that no two individuals are the same.
“We offer innovative, flexible and high-quality services that adapt to the changing needs of our clients and the times,” she said. This includes everything from emotional and educational assessments, to individual, couple, and family counselling, play therapy, and support for learners with ADHD, autism, diabetes and other conditions.
Her warm and welcoming practice values respect, love, integrity, care, and encouragement. From the friendly smile of her receptionist to her accessibility and hands-on approach, Mojapelo ensures every visitor feels safe, heard and supported.
Mojapelo is also an accredited assessor, facilitator and moderator through the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP-Seta), giving her the tools to provide comprehensive, informed services: from school readiness assessments for six-year-olds to career counselling for Gr 9 learners preparing for the future.
“I work closely with schools, the Department of Education, and parents, and in many cases, families start seeing positive changes in just three sessions,” she said. Her results speak volumes. Many of the children she helped years ago are now thriving in careers, some even abroad, with grateful parents still keeping in touch to share their success stories.
Services include:
• Individual and group counselling.
• Couples and marriage counselling.
• Career guidance and subject choice support (especially for Gr 9-12 learners).
• ‘Beyond Matric’ sessions to bridge the gap between high school and tertiary education.
• Motivational support for purpose-finding and goal-setting.
• Play therapy for ages 4–9.
• Support for learners with ADHD, autism and chronic conditions.
• Medico-legal assessments.
If you’re a parent, learner or couple seeking guidance, reassurance, or a fresh start, Asnath Mojapelo is here to help you unlock your full potential. With her, healing and hope go hand in hand.
Visit her practice at the corner of Burger and Jorissen streets. For appointments or more info, call 071 100 8396 or WhatsApp 066 207 3625.
Article: Anne Mametja
Christelike waardegedrewe onderrig by Reffies
Vir Akademie Reformia lê die belangrikheid van ‘n Christelike waardegedrewe kurrikulum in die vorming van leerders as volwaardige mense wat God eerste stel in elke aspek van hulle lewe. Die KABV (CAPS) kurrikulum is nie net daarop gemik om akademiese kennis oor te dra nie, maar ook om leerders toe te rus om elke dag onafhanklik besluite te neem. Die Waterstroomreeks is ‘n Christelike waardegedrewe kurrikulum. ‘n Kenmerk van hierdie handboeke is dat Bybelse norme en waardes geïntegreer word in al die vakke. Akademies voldoen die inhoud aan meer as die CAPS vereistes. Leerders word gelei na ʼn grondige kennis en begrip van vakinhoud en beginsels, sodat hulle toegerus is om met hulle gawes en talente die nuwe kennis in diens van God en die gemeenskap te kan aanwend.
Waarom is dit belangrik?
Karaktervorming: Deur die integrasie van Bybelse waardes word leerders se karakter gevorm. Leerders ontwikkel ‘n sterk waardestelsel, gebaseer op eerlikehid, diensbaarheid, liefde en verantwoordelikheid, wat hulle in staat stel om met integriteit op te tree in ‘n samelewing wat dikwels van God se waardes afwyk.
Lewensdoel en roeping: Leerders ontdek dat hulle gawes en talente nie net vir eie gewin bedoel is nie, maar om God te verheerlik en die gemeenskap te dien. Die kurrikulum help hulle om sin en doel in die lewe te vind.
Samelewingbetrokkenheid: Die Christelike wêreldbeskouing stel leerders in staat om die wêreld om hulle deur God se oë te sien, en om as aktiewe en verantwoordelike burgers op te tree, met medelye, geregtigheid en waarheid.
3 hoofwaardes van Waterstroomreeks:
Godsaanskouing: Die erkenning dat God die Skepper, Onderhouer en Doel van alle dinge is. Leerders leer om met verwondering, eerbied en gehoorsaamheid voor Hom te leef.
Alle kennis, wetenskap en menslike aktiwiteit staan onder Sy gesag.
Mensbeskouing: Die mens is geskape na God se beeld, uniek, waardevol en met ‘n spesifieke roeping. Hierdie beskouing bevorder respek vir jouself en ander, en dra by tot ‘n gesonde selfbeeld en verantwoordelike optrede.
Skeppingsbeskouing: Die skepping is God se werk en word aan die mens toevertrou om te bestuur en te versorg. Leerders word aangemoedig om die wêreld om hulle te waardeer, te bewaar en verantwoordelik daarmee om te gaan.
Artikel: Maretha Swanepoel
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