Volunteers Add Value to ECD Centre

Lucas Mbebe Educare in Gugulethu immediately sprang to mind. At the time, our Department of Social Development (DSD) Registration team was working closely with the Principal of the Centre. Infrastructure damage that jeopardised fire, health and safety requirements stood in their way of gaining registration. But funds were not available. We immediately arranged a site visit of the Educare so the College could prepare. What ELRU also identified as a necessity, was the lack of 'classroom feel' for the 113 children ages 0–6 who attend the Educare. The Varsity College Mandela Day initiative was a three-day undertaking. Holes in the roof were repaired, while chipped tiles, broken toilets and basins were replaced. All walls were painted. The students used their B.Ed knowledge to convert every space – from the baby's room to the five-year-old classroom – into colourful and inviting learning environments. The transformation of the classroom space increased the practitioners' motivation, and the idea of Centre registration no longer seemed a hopeless wish. The Principal worked hard towards the final remaining requirements. Three months later, Lucas Mbebe Educare received their conditional registration status certificate. We extend thanks to Cindy Peterson and the IIE Varsity College team for their contribution towards this victory.