School for 25 at-risk children in South Africa

Love to Langa believes early education is the key to success in life and we currently sponsor scholarships at two early childhood education centres in South Africa.  Here is an update on the children our donors are helping at Philippi Children’s Centre. 

Four year old Tyron is one of the children we were most worried about. When we first met him two years ago, he was clearly impacted by fetal alcohol syndrome, was very small for his age and had significant delays. His teacher, Denise, tells us he is progressing very well in all the areas of the classroom in the Froggies Class. She says, “Tyron enjoys school. He enjoys pouring and spooning in the practical life area. Tyron’s favourite piece of work in the sensorial area is building the pink tower together with the broad stair. His communication skills with the teachers are progressing well. We are very happy with his progress.”

Nadine is three years old and in the Springbokke Class with Teacher Patronella, who says, “Nadine enjoys her time at school and communicates very well with her peers. Her best friends are Roshe, Juanicka and Licriace. Nadine is a quiet child and is able to communicate her needs to me. She enjoys the Maths area and is able to count from 1 – 10. She also enjoys working with spooning activities in the practical life area as well as circle time with the dancing and singing.  She is able to finish tasks that are given to her to do in class.”

Nadine’s buddy Juanicka is a friendly girl who works well in class, says Patronella. “She sometimes needs to be reminded to get some work and I will work with her. She enjoys the individual presentations and is a pleasure to have in class.”

Melody has settled in very well in the two year old’s Katjies Class with Teacher Leah.  She enjoys circle time and shows concern for her younger peers in class. She likes working with puzzles, blocks and building with Legos. She is able to sit and finish tasks that are allocated to her. She is progressing well.

Five year old Jamie-Lee is always punctual for class with the Squirrels and Teacher Elizabeth says, “She has a positive attitude towards her school work and she is very eager to learn. Jamie-Lee has shown a good attitude about trying to improve in Mathematics and Language. She is very enthusiastic about participating activities. Jamie-Lee is co-operative and a very happy child. She is always eager to volunteer in class and works well with her peers.” We are so glad to hear she is doing so well. When we first learned about Jamie-Lee a year ago, we were saddened to learn that her mother died and despite efforts to contact him, her father is not involved, so she lives with relatives in a shack at the farm where they work.

The scholarships you support include transportation for children like Tyron, Nadine, Juanicka, Melody and Jamie- Lee, who otherwise would not have the opportunity to be in a nurturing environment during the school day. If not for help like yours, they would likely be bored and unsupervised and possibly in danger. We are thrilled that these children will soon have access to the Love to Langa Swimming Academy at Philippi Children’s Centre, where they will have the rare opportunity to learn to swim! We deeply appreciate your commitment to our cause - thank you for helping to make these scholarships possible.