By Khethiwe Khuzwayo | Director, Siyabonga Centre
As the year draws to a close, we want to thank you again for your support of Siyabonga. Your donations make it possible for us to provide critical early childhood education and care programs for 90 children from extremely disadvantaged families, many of whom struggle every day just to put food on the table.
Last month 33 children qualified for progression to the next level, which is Grade R. The graduation ceremony, held on November 28, went off smoothly and both the children and families were very excited to be there. We were humbled by the attendance of the Circuit Inspector from the national Department of Education and the principals of nearby schools. The teachers and I couldn’t have been prouder of the way the children performed. I think everyone in attendance was surprised and pleased. I hope it was a day the children and the families will remember for a long time.
All the graduating children were dressed in caps and gowns and received a certificate of completion. Three children were given special recognition for their accomplishments - Mvelo, Andiswa and Seneme, all five years old, pictured above (from left to right). Mvelo is a highly intelligent child and a class leader. He is excellent in all areas and has developed all the skills he will need to help him as he moves on in his studies. At our event, he boldly and independently told the story of Mr. Mandela. When he grows up he wants to be a doctor.
Andiswa was given her certificate for her excellent performance in numeracy and Seneme was given the award for excellence in literacy. Andiswa said she would like to be a doctor when she grows up and Seneme would like to be a lawyer.
We look forward to inviting both new and returning students again in mid-January when classes resume. In addition to our regular early childhood education program, we are pleased to be continuing our after-care program. We also will be implementing a new pilot parent training and support program early in the year. We believe the program will help all our families reinforce the work we do in the classroom at home. However, we think it is particularly important for our young mothers who are struggling in so many ways.
Please consider a donation to Siyabonga as you do your year-end giving and help ensure we can continue to serve as many children in the upcoming year. In this most joyous of seasons, you can bring hope into a child’s life by making a tax-deductible contribution. Working together, we can create healthier and happier lives for children and their families.
We at Siyabonga send warm wishes for a wonderful new year to all of you who help make our work possible. Thank you for your support.
By Lindsey Reynolds | Founder, Thembanathi
By Khethiwe Khuzwayo | Executive Director, Siyabonga
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