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Let’s play on Mandela Day

A new kindergarten for less-fortunate children opened two weeks ago, and the community is already jumping in to help. Just in time for Nelson Mandela Day.

July 18, 2015
Chantelle Fourie 2 minutes read
The kindergarten's two volunteer teachers, Poppy Moshe and Octavia Maswanganyi are excited to introduce their young students, Paul and Steven Magule and Arlido Mafuyati, to the donated puzzles and educational games.

It started off a bit scary for the children, but they soon warmed up to singing and playing with volunteers from all over Joburg.

Puzzles, clay, counting frames, paint, crayons and Doppio Zero lunch boxes were given to 12 young children of the House of Praise Ministries’ new kindergarten yesterday.

Songs were sung before the fun and games begun. The children were shocked by all the people smiling at them, but they eventually warmed up to the idea of playing with them.
Songs were sung before the fun and games begun. The children were shocked by all the people smiling at them, but they eventually warmed up to the idea of playing with them.

The kindergarten was built by the Rant-en-Dal Community Church to strengthen the bonds between two different congregations so that a difference in underprivileged communities could be made. Lizáhn Oosthuizen, the church’s social worker, took about 20 volunteers on a quick tour and told them what the project is about.

“We started this kindergarten, which costs a mere R20 per child a month, to develop young children into strong and confident individuals.”

Poppy Moshe, a Munsieville resident and teacher, volunteers at the kindergarten because it breaks her heart to see children running in the streets when they could have been taught something valuable at school.

The three to five-year-olds all gathered to sing a song for the volunteers, who were made up of waiters, real estate agents and friends. A joyful mood filled the hall as the singing went on and inspired a playing session.

Ramzy Barshil, a Doppio Zero waiter at Cradlestone Mall, took the opportunity to teach the young boys a bit about soccer.

Ramzy Barshil, a waiter at Cradlestone Mall's Doppio Zero, plays ball with Happy Mushe and Zekito Magule.
Ramzy Barshil, a waiter at Cradlestone Mall’s Doppio Zero, plays ball with Happy Mushe and Zekito Magule.

“I love kids. I will always help a child in need. It doesn’t even have to be for Madiba Day,” Ramzy says.

Susan Cappilati, from 3 Percent Properties, donated some of the toys and did not hesitate to join in on the fun. Her smile was one of the many smiles that continued to fill the room for the entire morning.

The project is an annual initiative by all of Doppio Zero’s Restaurants to be actively involved in their respective communities, says their area operations specialist, Warren Murley.

“We regularly arrange playgroups or soup kitchens and involve all our employees.”

The playground was built by the Rant-en-Dal Community Church. The kindergarten might have the best view in all of Krugersdorp.
The playground was built by the Rant-en-Dal Community Church. The kindergarten might have the best view in all of Krugersdorp.

Related articles:

• Hangers for hope – celebrating Mandela

• [PHOTOS] Elders wrapped in Mandela Day blankets

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July 18, 2015
Chantelle Fourie 2 minutes read
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