Education in the early stages of a child’s development is widely known to set the pace for his or her schooling career.
However, early childhood development in Dwarskloof will soon be threatened, as the mobile Early Childhood Development Centre (ECD) run by Kumaka Early Development will soon be leaving the area.
Consequently, 76 children will have no place to learn.
The mobile ECD was only supposed to be in Dwarskloof for a year, on Pastor Johannes Rampitsa’s land. Because of the need in the community, the year was extended to two years.
Rampitsa and Alwyn van Tonder, councillor for the area, took it upon themselves to give the children a place to learn, and arranged for several mobile containers to be installed, resulting in a more permanent solution.
In addition to the containers, the building of a three-roomed building was started, and an attempt was made to install a number of toilets, but this project has not been completed. And more is needed to get the permanent ECD, Home Sweet Home, approved.
The main structures have already been established, but the finishing touches are needed. In addition, the school would like to establish a vegetable garden in order to make the ECD more sustainable.
Rampitsa and Van Tonder are now urging businesses to assist them in completing the the permanent ECD.
Materials still needed:
• Six child-sized toilets
• Materials to complete the three-roomed building
• Fencing
• Installation of electrical cables
• A fully equipped first aid kit
• Irrigation pipes for the food garden
• Paving for the classes’ courtyard
Rampitsa said the complete removal of the ECD will not only affect the children – it will have a negative effect on their parents and employment as well.
As things currently stand, parents now have the luxury of taking their children to the ECD and going to look for jobs, or going to work, but if the school is closed down, things will become more difficult.
Anyone wishing to assist the ECD can contact councillor Van Tonder on 082 593 0313, or Pastor Rampitsa on 082 952 7724.
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