Foundations rescue Alex’s future through creche
ALEXANDRA – Woman building quality ECD empire in the interest of Alex kids.
Despite grinding poverty, a woman is making strides in improving the lives of children in Alexandra township.
This at Owethu Day Care Centre in a township colloquially termed ‘Gomorrah’ for its incessant social malaise yet, attractive to many for its proximity to employment opportunities. Emily Mahlobo was driven to the initiative by the high unemployment, teenage pregnancy and child-headed households. “Walking through the streets, one cannot help but notice the cluster of day-care centres signifying the growing need for child minders.”
In an article, Mahlobo said despite the many crèches, she wanted to make her centre stand out from the rest.
She installed CCTV cameras to keep every child in sight. “Many parents are happy to know that their children are watched vigilantly.”
Also, the facility has bright colours of Disneyland characters which is an attraction. “The warm welcome you receive from Emily, her staff of 10 and the beaming children, makes one understand why her centre has grown from 27 children to 110 children in nine years,” the statement read.
Initially without food, resources and skills, Mahlobo said they were assisted with training by the Early Care Foundation (ECF) formerly Asha Trust, and the Spur Foundation’s Full Tummy Fund (FTF) to purchase equipment, extend the building to increase capacity for more children.
The statement added, “Her passion for the work is evident through the children whose faces light up with a resounding ‘hello gogo’ when she passes by.”
She also credited the facility to others. “From the friend who encouraged me to become a teacher to the nurse who persuaded me to open the place, there has always been strong women cheering me on.”
With nine others from the local ECD Forum, Mahlobo approached ECF for help to be more than babysitting services. “We wanted our services to render better quality education and services and to develop children in our care while also bettering ourselves.”
The ECF, which trains underskilled practitioners of home-based crèches in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, North West and Western Cape obliged.
“They taught us the basics on meal planning, curriculum design and financial management, child development and inclusive education – how to identify and assist children with special needs and learning disabilities. This gave Mahlobo insights of operating hers profitably.
Also, she commended FTF for funding the training, donating educational equipment and sponsoring the mini make-over of the place on Mandela Day. Her centre is one of the 39 beneficiaries from the foundations which have trained 39 principals and 39 other practitioners at various levels.
The support has inspired Mahlobo to also share the knowledge with others as part of giving back to the community. Her business has grown with a second centre and she plans on building an Adult Day Care Centre to look after the elderly. “My heart bleeds for them and it’s important to also prioritise their welfare.”
She wants the business to expand as a core to changing the trajectory of the township’s children and base for budding entrepreneurs wanting to use the sector to eradicate the township’s endless social ills.
Related article:
