A SPECIAL celebration was held on Friday, 2 October to commemorate Makabongwe Methodist Pre-School’s 25th birthday.
The school, which has been described as “a jewel in the heart of town” or “an oasis in the desert” turned 25 on 19 September.
Speaking about the anniversary, principal, Theresa Lukan said: “I think it’s safe to say that every child loves a birthday celebration and we had a very special birthday to celebrate serving the community for 25 years. It is guaranteed you will not leave Makabongwe in the same mood you arrived in. It’s a happy, busy place filled with laughter, singing, dancing and hugs – although these have been put on hold temporarily! Our special VIP friends, our sponsors and donors, have remained committed through the challenges and the celebrations and thanks to them all, we could celebrate our 25th birthday.”
At the celebration, guests were treated by dances, including versions of the Jerusalema Challenge, poems, songs and prayers by each of the classes at the school.
These were thoroughly enjoyed by all present.
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Makabongwe is found deep in the heart of Durban, directly opposite Central Fire Station and through a hole in the wall, literally.
The school serves the inner city community and is a real success story. It was the vision of two amazing ladies from Manning Road Methodist Church, who founded Makabongwe in 1995 with 15 children.
Their calling was to uplift the children of the street traders in Warwick Triangle, who would otherwise be denied an early childhood education. It has, 25 years later, grown to 175 children from ages three to six years.
Makabongwe is served by a dedicated staff compliment, lead by the passionate principal, Theresa, who goes above and beyond in ensuring children get the best holistic pre-school education.
The vision is to provide sustainable and affordable early childhood education, to reduce illiteracy and give children a solid foundation for primary school, all this is done in a loving manner according to Christian principles.
Each grade goes on at least one outing per term, the fire station visit is a firm favourite, as is uShaka and the beach. The children are visited annually by the Guide Dogs Association, audiologists the mounted police, among others.
In winter Theresa secures donors for blankets, winter pyjamas scarves and beanies for all the children and at the end of each year the Grade Rs are donated a pair of school shoes to send them on their way to big school.
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“Our children love coming to school and learn in a safe, structured environment. Anyone who visits is amazed by our wonderful facilities – all of which have been donated by our very generous sponsors. Our children receive two nutritious meals a day, again to our giving donors.”
Theresa said given the economic challenges the community faces, parents are finding it increasingly difficult to pay the nominal fees and the school’s ongoing challenge is to balance providing education for the underprivileged with the need to cover salaries and costs.
Makabongwe is a registered NPO and is able to issue Section 18A certificates.
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