Excitement fills the air as renovated Embo crèche opens

JOY, excitement and appreciation were a few of the emotions used to describe the atmosphere at the opening of the renovated Siyajabula Crèche in Embo on Tuesday, 28 November.

With the support of the Johannesburg-based beauty company, Justine, through the company’s Thuthukisa Together Programme and local non-profit organisation, Focus on iThemba, the children and teachers at the crèche had reason to celebrate.

The original crèche was operating from a garage which was far from ideal.

Three years ago, the company invested in a new open-plan structure which now houses 40 babies, toddlers and pre-Grade R children.

Recent improvements and additions include new sleeping mats for the children, plastic tables and chairs, office chairs, kitchen items, ground levelling, resurfacing the driveway, a green house and waterproof sheeting over the patio.

Most importantly, the company has committed to their continued support in terms of teacher training and crèche monitoring.

“As a truly South African brand, we felt the need to address specific South African issues and are extremely proud that we could assist the Embo community with this crèche,” said Katlego Modipane, the company’s public relations officer at the official opening.

“It’s an initial investment of just under R1 million that will have a far-reaching impact on this community,” she said.

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Collaborating with Focus on iThemba, Amathuba Community Upliftment and Project Build, the combined efforts have born fruit.

Guests joined in the celebrations at the official opening which included speeches, Zulu dancing by Abassane, the releasing of bright eco-friendly balloons and heart-warming dancing by the children.

Among the guests was Tayla Blades, donor relations manager at Focus on iThemba who said effective early childhood development is everyone’s business, especially for the future of South Africa.

“We currently work alongside Siyajabula Crèche and seven other crèches in the Valley of 1000 Hills and Molweni areas.

Elizabeth Ngongoma, owner of Siyajabula Crèche, was overcome with emotion, and her beautiful smile was contagious.

“We are grateful to so many and to Justine for supporting us with the building, now our school has a structure the children are proud to call their school,” she said.