Preschoolers celebrate graduation at Oratile Day Care with community pride

The Oratile Day Care’s preschoolers’ graduation ceremony saw them trade their crayons for certificates on November 29.

The ceremony became a celebration for the neighborhood, with parents, guardians, neighbors, and teachers all proudly supporting the children’s milestone.

Principal Bridgette Makgatho, who could not contain her excitement, noted that the school had seen a significant improvement in their confidence and self–awareness compared to when they first started attending.

“I believe that as a day care, we play a huge role in the development of these little stars. Our role is to create a nurturing and stimulating environment that encourages curiosity, creativity and social growth.

“We strive to inspire a love for learning, foster emotional intelligence and support each child’s development.

“We do this by focusing on building foundational skills in literacy, mathematics and life skills. Our curriculum is designed to promote critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration,” Makgatho said.

She added that they encourage independence, resilience, and adaptability as they prepare the learners for the academic challenges that await them in primary school.

“Our preschoolers have developed strong bonds with peers and educators, and they’re becoming more curious, brave and expressive. Witnessing their growth is rewarding to us all.

“We are excited to continue innovating these young minds with our curriculum and welcome new faces from our community. We are looking forward to another year of growth, discovery and making unforgettable memories with the class of 2026.”

Makgatho wished the learners well in the next phase of their learning and reminded them to always be kind and believe in themselves.

“Growing up in this community and spending most of my time here, I have seen the resilience and potential of our children. It’s a privilege to contribute to their journey and be part of this vibrant community of Diepkloof.

“We cannot forget the parents for making this day possible and this journey easier for us through their support and engagement with the teachers. They play a crucial role in this journey, and may they continue supporting their children’s education.”

Some parents received certificates of appreciation for their work, and one, Puseletso Khumalo-Kanyago, said she had seen a significant improvement in her child’s speech and confidence.

“The teachers really played their part. At first, my daughter was a shy child, but now, she has grown out of her shell. I am ready for the next level of her education. The day care has set a strong foundation for us,” Khumalo-Kanyago noted.