New non-profit ECD centre in Lower Illovo set to educate, empower and engage
Already 70 children from MoP and neighbouring Inkwali are enrolled in the early childhood education, pre-school and foundation phase, and the plan is to grow steadily.
THE Indwe Learning Centre situated alongside Mother of Peace Illovo, is a new non-profit education centre with the aim to educate, empower and engage.
“We identified a need to create a trajectory to transformation for children most affected by the ramifications of the HIV/Aids pandemic,” said Iris Canham, head of the Indwe Learning Centre.
“The pandemic affected us all as a society but we needed to create a model that tells a story of fortitude and helps us look forward towards a better future. The logo is evident as it is a blue crane ‘soaring’ towards the sun. Our pilot started last year, bringing a Montessori-inspired curriculum to the early childhood development centre. We noticed a great improvement in the way children relate to each other, interact, work independently and are enthusiastic about solving problems.”
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This year the Indwe Learning Centre has incorporated Montessori into grade 1 and 2 under the guidance of Montessori director, Tanja Zilz Hobson who ran the Montessori School at Edcon in Johannesburg.
The single biggest investment one can make is in early childhood development.
“Research shows that children from under-resourced backgrounds start off from a lower baseline than their counterparts from more affluent families. This ingrains inter-generational income disparities with attendant social costs and a bill to be footed by taxpayers in later years. To correct the challenges and social ills, we must invest in education with models that work,” said Canham.
“International research shows that by the age of 40, adults who have attended preschool offering a holistic education, had higher earnings, were more likely to be employed, had graduated from high school and were less likely to have been arrested or spent time in jail. This is the reason why we are determined to make an impact. The way in which we educate is the answer to us not falling into the trap of repeated cycles that tear our country apart.”
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Already 70 children from MoP and neighbouring Inkwali are enrolled in the early childhood education, pre-school and foundation phase, and the plan is to grow steadily.
“We have however not left out other age groups as we will soon launch a theatre programme for youth called The Hope Chronicles, in addition to after school programmes later this year. Through these programmes, we hope youth from various backgrounds will be integrated, as together, they develop solutions for a better future. They are our future generation after all.”
An open day will be held in March, with the date to be advised.
The centre needs donations of paint, wall paint and stoep paint (refurbishing), non-perishable food as it serves meals, a fridge, cutlery, book shelves, isiZulu books, curtains, navy PE shorts for school uniform, hoola hoops, soccer balls and stationery. Email Iris at theindwelearningcentre@outlook.com or visit Indwe Learning Centres on Facebook.
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