Her heart’s so big, it’s a wonder it can fit in her chest

There were tears of joy, bright smiles and sparkling eyes all round as the Pets Pre-School’s Grade R children graduated.

The pre-school has a rich history rooted in helping children who are unable to assist themselves due to where they come from. It was in 2006 when the seed of the pre-school was sowed when Petricia Mbewu saw three boys in her driveway digging through her dustbin for something to eat.

She spoke to the boys and learned they were from Kya Sands informal settlement and did not have anything to eat.

“They told me they lived with their unemployed mother and their father had abandoned them. The children, aged 12, nine and seven, did not attend school,” said Mbewu.

“I took them into my house and prepared a meal for them and gave them some groceries and toiletries. I asked them to feel free to come to my house any time they are hungry and never eat from the dustbin again.

“It was not long until they returned with friends who also needed assistance. The number was multiplying every time they visited me, so I decided to go to Kya Sands so I can identify the needs of people living there.”

Arriving at the informal settlement, she discovered that many of the children lived in poor conditions and this touched her heart. She told her family she wanted to help the children and started by preparing Sunday meals and serving them, while the boys continued collecting food parcels during the week.

Although Mbewu was operating without any sponsorship or financial backing, she continued to take food from her own cupboards without a single complaint.

“Individuals noticed what we were doing and would provide money to help with food. When we had over 100 children to feed, our church came in and took over the project.

“I was then worried about the fact that the children were unable to get an education, so I started small classes at my home. I would wake up early on Sunday, prepare them a meal and then start my classes.

“The class grew but the difference in ages was a problem. My daughter assisted me and started a class for teenagers and I was left with two to seven-year-old children in my class.”

In 2012, Mbewu decided to go on early pension and started Pets Pre-school in Bloubosrand to accommodate children from the Kya Sands informal settlement and provide them with an education.

The children do not pay any fees and the pre-school is now looking for sponsors to assist with food, toiletries, toys, clothes and blankets.

“As we are Christians, we also teach the children about the love of God so that they may also learn to love and care for others. I thank God for putting me in Bloubosrand and for allowing me an opportunity to serve Him through this ministry. In all this work, I am not alone, I am only a tool in God’s hands,” said Mbewu.

For more information contact the school on 011 462 5686.