Presbyterian Phumlani Educare Centre
Presbyterian Phumlani Educare Centre was started in 2002 by concerned people in the Masiphumelele community in the Scenic South to provide a safe place for young children to spend the day while their parents were at work. As with so many crèches in townships, three wonderful and caring women were soon looking after about 50 children in a shack, with little or no resources to feed or stimulate them.
Fast forward to 2011: the crèche is situated in an airy brick building shared by the Presbyterian Church. The 50 to 60 children are divided into classes and taught by trained educators. There is a small garden and an outside play area and plenty of educational equipment inside, including a computer. The children receive two meals per day and look well fed and healthy. The daily programme includes movement, music, creative activities, storytime and plenty of opportunity for exploratory play, and is governed by a new theme every fortnight. In addition, special events such as a parent workshop, a Nativity Play, and an English concert happen annually.
A major aspect of the Education is the organisation of outings. Many of the children hardly venture outside Masiphumelele apart from going to the shops, and it is gratifying to provide opportunities for them to expand their experience of our world, especially with so much available to explore in Cape Peninsula. Table Mountain National Park busses them to Boulders Beach and Silvermine Nature Reserve. They also visit Kirstenbosch and the Two Oceans Aquarium by bus. Transport to Cape Dutch Gardens, Fish Hoek Fire Station, and Fish Hoek Beach is provided by volunteers.
The parents pay a small fee, and are involved in fundraising. Donations in cash and kind are received from both local and overseas people. At present the Educare Centre does not receive a Government subsidy. Money is very tight at present.
If you wish to get involved in any way, please contact Eva Van Belle at or .
Eva van Belle
For more on Masiphumlelele see
https://scenicsouth.co.za//civic-community/our-communities/masiphumelele/
