Start a Preschool for 60 Children in South Africa

I want to express my thanks again to everyone who gave during our Giving Tuesday campaign and throughout the year. I am deeply grateful for your support and belief in the power of change. Together, we’re transforming lives and building brighter futures for so many children! We are moving closer to achieving our annual fundraising goal for 2024 but are not there yet. Reaching this milestone is essential to enabling us to provide consistent support throughout 2025 to Siyabonga. If you have not given recently, please consider making a donation before the end of the year. Every donation makes a difference in the lives of the children who attend Siyabonga.  _____________________________________________________

As part of their work for us, one of Lindsey's colleagues recently visited Siyabonga. I asked for feedback and received the thoughtful response below. I found it really moving, as well as affirming of the support we've given Siyabonga. 

I know this is a long email, but I hope you can find the time to read Angelique's feedback and understand and appreciate the importance and impact your support means. Siyabonga wouldn't exist without you!

Personal Reflection: A Journey to Siyabonga

My visit to Siyabonga Early Childhood Development Centre was an experience I will never forget. Having visited several of Even Ground’s partner projects, what moved me most about Siyabonga was their remarkable ability to give so much while asking for so little. Despite their limited resources, they welcomed us with sandwiches—a gesture of hospitality rooted in cultural tradition. It wasn’t necessary, but it was deeply meaningful and humbling.

What struck me was the simplicity of their needs: toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap—basic items that so many of us take for granted. These weren’t extravagant requests but rather essential tools to teach children life-changing hygiene practices. Standing there, I was convicted by how small these needs were yet how impactful their fulfillment could be. A printer to meet the daily demands of lesson preparation, a borehole to ensure reliable water access, or the dream of an after-school program to extend care and learning beyond school hours—these are modest requests, but they reflect urgent and genuine needs.

Siyabonga is a place of care and learning. The teachers’ dedication is evident in everything they do. They provide children with exceptional education and nutritious meals, creating a foundation that sets them up for success. Yet, the challenges are undeniable. When children leave Siyabonga at age five, they face stark realities: transitioning to schools where the quality of education is lower, the language of instruction shifts away from English, and for many, the consistent meals stop. 

And yet, these children radiate joy. Their smiles are unforgettable. I watched them play with the simplest toys—beads, mismatched pieces, and sometimes broken items—and yet their happiness was genuine. Play was their world. Beyond the joy, there was structure. I was amazed to see two- to five-year-olds listening attentively, counting confidently, and associating every letter of the alphabet with an object, animal, or idea. Having observed children’s educational journeys in other contexts, I had never seen such young learners grasp concepts with this level of understanding.

One moment that will stay with me forever was when the teacher asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s a question we all know, often met with whimsical answers. Each child had their own personal answer, ready to share and attach meaning to their aspirations. One child for example said, “I want to be a nurse. A nurse is someone who cares for sick people”. It was extraordinary to see such clarity and purpose in a child so young.

Another standout moment was a song they performed to teach body safety: "No one is allowed to touch my private parts... I say no, and if you touch, I tell”. In a country where violence and particularly sexual violence is a harsh reality, this simple, powerful lesson was transformative. It was a testament to the thoughtful, intentional teaching at Siyabonga.

There were other moments that left me in awe. After every activity, the children chanted together: "Well done, well done, keep it up, keep it up!" It wasn’t just encouragement; it was a glimpse into a culture of collective support and celebration.

And then there was ‘Friday Fun Day’, which I was fortunate to witness. The day was filled with laughter and movement—races, soccer games, frog leaps. The competitive spirits of these three- and four-year-olds shone through, and the cheers of their classmates echoed across the yard, creating an atmosphere of togetherness.

Siyabonga reminded me of the beauty in simplicity and the power of community. It showed me how far dedication, care, and passion can go in changing lives, even in the face of adversity. The children’s resilience and the teachers’ unwavering commitment left a deep mark on me.

Their needs may be modest, but their potential is limitless. With your support, Siyabonga can continue to thrive, bringing education, care, and hope to children who deserve the very best start in life. Every contribution makes a tangible difference. Let’s work together to ensure these children continue to grow, learn, and dream.

With heartfelt gratitude for your generosity, 

Angelique