Creche cries for community’s help
This school has my blood and sweat in it and I will not give up.
FOR SEVEN years a creche in Wentworth has overcome every obstacle and broke down all negativity against them, but even for super principal, Blanche Hutchinson, recent problems have taken a toll on her and her school.
Hutchinson has applied for NPO status for the creche. Just recently, the department of human settlement leased the building that the creche is housed in to her. After seven years of battling to secure the lease, this achievement should have been met with celebrations and blessings but Hutchinson did not realise it would come at such a heavy price.
“With the building lease I was sent a letter from the department telling me water and electricity is now my sole responsibility. So I went to the water department and was told to install a meter and t get connected would cost me R7,838. I then went to an electricity company and was given a quote for R8,300. This is money I do not have. I am at my wit’s end and I have exhausted every option to solve my problem,” cried Huthinson.
We are a community service and we ask the community to support and help us
The creche, Barney and Friends has been a hub for many children who are left in the care of Hutchinson and her staff. They are dedicated to educating the children not only to prepare them for school but to give them tools to succeed in the future. “My aim is to especially help young girls. I want to show them there is a way out of poverty and to follow their dreams. My life needs to be an example to them. My goal is to have more pupils in my school and to create employment. I have the desire to help my community but I can’t do it on my own, I need help,” said Hutchinson. “I have felt like giving up, I feel like I’m working so hard but all I get is obstacles.”
She pleads with the community and local businesses to assist. “We need to have electricity and water in order to run the creche. Right now we are working with minimal water. We are a community service and we ask the community to support and help us. At least be bold and don’t ignore us. I feel ignored by businesses but they don’t know we are servicing the future leaders,” she said.
The school fees received barely cover costs as most parents cannot pay the full amount for their child. “I can’t turn any child away, these children are my life and I feel that I am responsible for who they become in the future. This school has my blood and sweat in it and I will not give up.”
To assist Barney and Friends contact Blanche on 072-713-4118.
