AFTER sending out an initial plea for assistance to replace its old playground in 2024, Seed of Hope Community Development has proudly unveiled its new jungle gym after securing funding to revamp it.

Heather Liebenberg, chairperson of Seed of Hope, said the new play area has been well received by children.

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“Several years ago, we had a wonderful set of playground equipment. However, the semi-tropical weather and years of heavy use caused the wooden structures to slowly degrade. We ended up gradually removing various parts to maintain safety standards, and eventually there was almost nothing remaining for the children to play on,” said Liebenberg.

Earlier this year, Seed of Hope successfully applied to Bridge-Ed Foundation for funding to replace the old jungle gym with a new, recycled plastic one.

“It arrived at last and was installed last week, much to the Simunye facilitators, Nomonde Tshutsha, Nonjabulo Mzimela, and Owami Mchunu’s excitement. It is weather-resistant and has a 25-year warranty, which will provide many years of fun for the children,” she said.

The funding was also put toward repainting the Simunye classrooms that were damaged during a previous break-in. Liebenberg said they had already managed to seal the roof and the ceilings, which were torn up by thieves looking for copper wires to sell, and repair the walls, but had not yet been able to finish them with a new coat of paint.

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“Many thanks to Bridge-Ed for assisting us to make our after-school programme a safe, healthy place for the many children that come each day. We seek to assist children to grow strong physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually,” she said.

Seed of Hope Community Development is a Christian-based community development organisation in Bhekulwandle. It aims to help individuals and families become more stable, skilled and self-reliant, ultimately strengthening the wider community.

For more information, to make a donation or to find out how you can assist, contact Seed of Hope on 031 903 1125 / 068 507 4445 or office@theseedofhope.org.

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