By Helen Towle | Project Director, Thembanathi
On December 6, a celebration was held for the 31 children who graduated from Siyabonga Early Childhood Development Centre. Along with families, staff, and Board members, a number of principals and teachers from nearby primary schools attended. The children were excited to perform for so many people. Everybody who attended was surprised by how well the children did. Both the children and the staff felt proud of all they have accomplished this year.
The families in the area that Siyabonga serves struggle with many challenges, including extreme poverty, food insecurity, unemployment, and serious health issues, all of which can negatively impact the children’s cognitive, motor, and social development. The programs at Siyabonga are designed to positively influence the children’s development by providing nutritious meals, a stimulating learning environment, and positive social interactions with other children and staff. Children leave Siyabonga more prepared to start primary school. In addition, we believe the early support the children receive is key to changing the course of their lives. Siyabonga was pleased to be able to provide services for 80 children this year and to add a new after school program. In addition to continuing their current programs for the upcoming school year, they are hoping to start support groups for parents and guardian next year, especially young parents.
We want to thank you again for your donations this past year. We are truly grateful to all of you whose generosity made it possible for us to support these critical services. And, a very special thank you to those of you who have signed up to give monthly. You are all an essential part of the work we do. Without your help, Siyabonga would not have been able to continue these vital programs.
As the year draws to a close, please consider giving what you can to ensure we can continue to serve so many children from disadvantaged backgrounds in the upcoming year. We are only a few thousand dollars short of our fundraising goal for 2018 and, with your help, I know we can reach it by the end of the year. In this most joyous of seasons, you can bring hope into a child’s life by making a tax-deductible contribution to Siyabonga. Working together, we can create healthier and happier lives for children and their families.
Thank you so much for your support!
Warm wishes for a wonderful new year.
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