Childcare facility for city housing estate
"Fees for child care are high in this area and we decided to open a creche for children whose moms couldn't afford expensive schools."
A NEWLY established creche at Westgate Gardens council flats in Morningside is providing love and care for children living at the housing estate.
Charmaine Qegu, one of the five women who run the creche, said it was decided to establish a creche after they noticed a number of children running around the property during the day, instead of being at day care.
“Fees for child care are high in this area so we decided to open a creche for children whose moms couldn’t afford expensive schools.
These children have single parents or their parents work all day, and they needed somewhere to send them,” she said.
Charmaine said the women care for 12 children during the day, ranging from six months old to six years old, as well as older children who come after school at around 3pm.
The children are given a cooked lunch every day as many arrive without any food.
The creche has been operating out of temporary accommodation at the housing estate, and will soon be moving to its permanent home in adjacent rooms.
“We have people who are going to help us renovate and paint murals on the walls to make it cheerful and nice for the children,” she said.
Charmaine said a community member, Janine Topping, had been a great help to them, and had assisted to get the creche resources and helped with licencing.
She said the creche was looking for retired teachers who could help the older children with homework in the afternoons, a book keeper to take care of the finances and offer professional input, as well as toys, books, educational posters and non-perishable food items for lunches.
If anyone can help in any way, contact 074 698 1143.
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