ECD centre expanded

REPRESENTATIVES from Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages (CCPB), The Vuya Foundation, Henkel South Africa, as well as the Rotary Clubs of Newlands and Pinelands celebrated the opening of three new classrooms at Oppie Koppie Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre on Friday.

The facility is situated in Prince Alfred’s Hamlet, Ceres, a presidential poverty node riddled with unemployment. Every year, about 80 children graduate from the centre and enter primary school.

Over the past eight years the area has seen an influx of people from more rural areas looking for employment. This has resulted in a greater need for childcare and education.

With a waiting list of 55 children and with the centre at capacity, the Vuya Foundation recognised the urgent need to expand the centre. Facilitated by the Rotary Clubs the project aimed to double the capacity to six classrooms and include ablutions for 150 children.

CCPB spokesperson Priscilla Urquhart said: “We are very proud and happy to have played our part in growing the community of Ceres and the centre.

“We believe that children should be equipped with facilities and the building blocks in order to build bright futures.”

Founder and president of the Vuya Foundation Mercia Isaacs said: “The opening of these new classrooms is a dream come true. We would not have been able to see this vision become a reality, had it not been for our generous funders and friends.” |