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Sinethemba Educare (2014)
Sinethemba is Xhosa for: We have (a) hope’, or ‘We believe in’. The centre is led by Grace Duko. When we met Grace already had a impressive track record. She led the centre step by step towards certification in 2010. This also means that the centre is allegeable for SA (WC Provincial) Government subsidies. That, together with the parent’s fee, brought the next step within reach; financial stability and therefore enabling further investments in staff at a new and bigger location. Since Grace had a vision, practical ideas for improvements, expansion and implementation and is a team player, all conditions looked favorable.
Funding was limited however – as is often the case – nevertheless we were happy to offer support and were able to setup a joint domestic and international (US, Monaco, Dutch) partnership. The project at the Dutch end was made possible by Wilde Ganzen, a Dutch NGO. Wilde Ganzen combats poverty worldwide and supports small-scale local projects. The proceeds from campaigns for project like this receive a 50% bonus.
Grace and her team have taken some courses in the past and will continue to do so together with teams from other childcare centres in the Kraaifontein area, including the staff of Mza’Momhle Educare.
Grace graduated in March 2015 (level 5). This is a National Certificate (the minimum requirement for heading a childcare centre is 4). Level 5 is necessary to be able to give Grade R education to the five- and six-year-olds, which is very much needed in the Wallacedene area. It makes the next step, going to the primary school close by, easier. Aside from this, the extra subsidies from the Department of Education provide an even more solid financial basis.
