On Wednesday, the Diepkloof Creches Forum (DCF) held an Appreciation Day ceremony at the Diepkloof Welfare Centre.
The aim of this event was to show appreciation to the principals and parents, for their contributions in the growth of the forum.
Guest speaker, Matshidiso Xaba (81) recalled the days when the DCF was still called Diepmeadow.
“I started the forum when I was stil a woman who just took care of children.
“I was advised by one of the parents to start a crèche,” Xaba said.
“It is humbling to see some of my products that attended my crèche today.
“When the foundation started we used to go door to door asking for donations.
“ I am thankful to see after so many years, the crèche principals are still united,” she said.
“Let us not forget Maria Montessori,an Italian physician and educator best known for her methods of Early Childhood Education,” said City of Joburg representative, Glory Morake.
She said the programme of ECD is the all-round development of our children to help them to further develop into childhood and adulthood.
“During early childhood rapid development (physical, cognitive and emotional) takes place, this development is crucial in readying children for school.
“As teachers, you are these children’s parents,which is an integral part of the early learning process of the child.
“When the sun shines or sets, there is change.
“Give me any child below the age of seven years-of-age, you will see change.
“In the 130 wards that we work with, as the COJ our job is to ensure that the children are healthy and the teachers of the creches are well equipped.
“In closure, you are highly recognised as teachers, for you are able to be any professional,” said Morake.
The women were given blankets and presents as a token of appreciation for their work.
