Child welfare ready to welcome back Pinocchio learners

As schools prepare to reopen their doors to all learners, Child Welfare SA Edenvale and Bedfordview is ready to welcome back learners to its Pinocchio Educare Centre.
Chairperson Pieter le Roux said although the centre’s school fees are low the welfare relies on the funds generated via these fees.

“Luckily we had a plan in place, there are some welfares worse off than us.

“We have a bit of a reserve fund which has kept us going and made sure that our staff members were paid.”
Pieter said because of the restrictions put in place the Edenvale branch could not do much and decided to start a feeding scheme to help those in need.
“It was amazing to see the community come together for the feeding scheme. Often there would be three or four cars with deliveries.”
As restrictions were lifted the branch could return to its normal operations.

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“So far our branch hasn’t seen an increase in any abuse cases. There were a few abandoned babies, but overall things were stable,” said Pieter.

In preparation for the return of the learners, Pieter took to Facebook in the hopes of obtaining the necessary quotes for required items.
“I asked for quotes for PPE’s, hand sanitiser and sanitising stations. Soon afterwards everything on the list was donated by community members and companies.”

Not expecting the donations the community’s goodwill was a pleasant surprise for the branch.
Vice-chairperson Nicki van der Walt said Edenvale has always been a giving and caring community which the welfare is grateful for.
“Besides the Vale’s giving nature I think community members are spurred to act kindly during difficult times.”
Pieter said the centre has all of the necessary procedure in place for the return of learners.
“Teachers have communicated with parents and learners daily, often sharing educational content,” said Nicki.