An Imizamo Yethu preschool is appealing for help with repairs and to feed its pupils.
Siyazama Pre School in Kontana Street was established in 1995, according to principal and Grade R teacher Funisele Cele.
“The crèche was first managed by Child Welfare SA until 2012. This was the very first crèche in the community at that time. I then took over the reins of the crèche in 2012 and have been managing it ever since,” Ms Cele said.
The crèche has 90 children, including a Grade-R class and a group of 6-year-olds who stay for the after-care.
Western Cape Education Department spokeswoman Millicent Merton confirmed that the preschool received a subsidy from the department.
The subsidy covers learning materials for the Grade R class and staff salaries, according to Ms Cele.
“We are not allowed to buy food from this subsidy. However, we have also asked the parents if they can help with donations for food as the kids stay till five for the after-care so they need to have a meal during this time. Most of the kids are living in single households where there’s only one income or none at all,” Ms Cele said.
“Usually we buy dry food and tin fish and prepare pasta dishes, soups or samp and beans for them.”
Ms Cele said it was difficult running the school without further financial support.
“We’d love a sponsor who can help with monthly food donations to help us so we can cook a meal for our learners as the funding we receive from the Western Cape Education Department does not cover this.”
The preschool needed help with plumbing repairs because there were leaks under the toilets, said Ms Cele.
“In the winter, we have a problem where when the rain runs down the mountain here in Imizamo, it leaks and floods our Grade R class.
“Our fund-raising goals for this year is to paint one of our classrooms from the inside and outside. We also wish to fix the fence and get a proper gate for our entrance. Our windows need to be replaced and we need help with the electrical wiring.“
The building is owned by the City and the preschool has a ten-year lease, Ms Cele said.
Ward councillor Roberto Quintas referred our queries to the City, which said it would look into our questions.
HIKEFOR, the Hiking Fellowship of Rotary, has recently donated R5.000 for Siyazama Educare, according to chairman, Joe Schwach.
“As a Rotary affiliation, HIKEFOR wants to create a matching grant, i.e. it is looking for business people and individuals in Hout Bay to contribute the same amount in order to make the grant meaningful. SPAR and JACK hammer’s, both in Hout Bay, have already advised that they will chip in sizeable amounts to the joint effort.
But we need a bit more. So please, people from Hout Bay, particularly business people, come to the party. The crèche needs food, sanitary ware, paint and paint brushes to renovate the facility. We will also pay R1.000 for a catchy fundraising website for Siyazama. The children in this crèche are the future of our country,“ Mr Schwach said.
To find out how you can help the preschool, call Ms Cele at 072 420 1585 or Mr Schwach at 072 685 4713.
