It was a like case of Manna falling from heaven today when MEC Belinda Scott donated foodpacks, mattresses, blankets, books, toys, jungle gyms at uKhololwethu Pre-School in Molweni (Hillcrest) today.
The donations are an intervention by MEC Scott to alleviate the plight of this centre which faces a bleak future because it does not have enough resources to operate.
Scott said this is one crèche out of very many with the need in this area.
"There are huge amounts of child-headed households and little ones that their parents are working and have got nowhere to leave their children.
"This community initiative to look after 60 children. They have been running for two years without government funding for two years yet they have managed to survive on their own doing the most amazing work. We have assisted as the Provincial Treasury assist them where we can today. We will identify other crèches of need in this area to do the same kind of intervention.
"If government can work together with the people, we can do so much more than just government working alone or the community working alone. We must join as a collective to work together," said Scott.
School Principal of the school Tholakele said the donation will go a long way because the school was relying on donations and support from school fees.
"Our children will have nutritionuous meals, have books, descent mattresses and blankets. Already these children cannot wait to play in their jungle gym. This is what it means when they say Government cares. Government uyaqhuba!" she said.
UMngeni Valley Association Chairperson Mathemba Gasa said there was a dire need to support early childhood development centre in this area. "While there is a need for early childhood development centres in this area, we do not have proper structures. Some centres are run inside people's homesteads - which is not accepted. We need funding to improve resources at the centres," said Gasa.
Local Induna Fano Mkhize could not hold his excitement saying the help takes the crèche a step further towards achieving its vision to be the centre of excellence to instill early childhood development.
"This centre has a long history to develop children since 1972. The resources donated today will go a long way to improve the lives of these children," said Mkhize.
