Be a Cotlands goodwill ambassador this festive season

TURFFONTEIN – Of the estimated five million children in South Africa aged under five, more than 70% do not have access to early childhood learning.

Early learning expert and chief operations officer of Cotlands Monica Stach believes that constructive play is essential to a child’s cognitive, emotional and social development.

“If we want to see better matric results, we need to invest in children when their minds are most receptive to new information. When children play, they learn, and as society we need to create safe places for children to explore without fear of harm,” believed Monica Stach.

Giving vulnerable children a head-start is the best gift you can give this festive season

This year Cotlands kicked off their early learning programme, and the progress they have seen in the lives of children is remarkable. For many of the children in their programme, playing with toys was a new experience. It is encouraging to see children who were previously unable to identify colours and shapes, do so with confidence.

Cotlands’ baseline and follow-up assessments showed a distinct improvement in cognitive and emotional ability amongst the 1 137 children who attended the early learning groups this year.

This experience has given children in their early learning groups the skills to perform better at school, which in turn later on offers them better employment options and opportunities.

Early learning is the key to ending the cycle of poverty and empowering families who live below the breadline. Your investment in a child’s life today will ensure healthier, independent communities in the future.

Cotlands encourage the community to invest in a child’s life by providing them with a ‘head-start’ hamper for Christmas or by donating R200 a month to support a child in an early learning group.

Pay it forward this Christmas and donate to a child

Come to the tree of hope and place your wish for this Christmas on Cotlands’ tree, leave a donation or toy and collect a Cotlands decoration. Cotlands volunteers will be at Clearwater Mall and Killarney Mall from December 9 to 24, from 09:00 to 16:00.

Chris Winspear’s Cotlands Charity Auction

From December 2 to 13, Chris Winspear will auction his most popular charms on their facebook page called ‘Charms for charity.’ Followers and fans will have the chance to bid for them. There will be a starting price of R250 or R300 depending on the details of the charms. And 50% will go to Cotlands.

Cotlands Gratitude Bracelets

Each bead on this personalised gratitude bracelet represents one thing to be grateful for. Made with love by Cotlands volunteers, this fashionable

wrist-wear will show off your compassionate side. Purchase a bracelet today and make a much needed contribution that will impact the lives of vulnerable children.

Visit Cotlands for more information, 135 Stanton Street, Turffontein, 011 683 7200.