Start a Preschool for 60 Children in South Africa

As we find ourselves midway through 2025, I’m filled with gratitude and admiration for all that our Siyabonga Preschool community has accomplished this year. From the laughter echoing through our classrooms to the heartfelt performances at our Youth Day celebration, the first half of the year has been rich with connection, learning, and growth.

A Joyful Start to 2025

In January, Khetiwe and her team proudly welcomed 114 children to school, a testament to the trust the community continues to place in Siyabonga. With the support of their incredible team of educators, their little learners settled in beautifully. Each day, they’re discovering new ideas, building friendships, and growing into confident, curious young people.

Creating Memories

Many children arrive at Siyabonga facing early challenges but at Siyabonga they begin a journey of growth, care, and transformation. Through, joyful learning and the dedication of a passionate teaching team, the children grow stronger, more confident, and ready for the next step in their education.

In addition to the ongoing curriculum and activities, the team at Siyabonga is always looking for occasions to celebrate or special events to arrange that will create lasting memories for the children.

• In February, Siyabonga had a Valentine's Day celebration where the kids wore red and white to school and made Valentine's Day cards for their parents.
• In March, they had a “Picnic and Fun” day where children brought picnic lunches to eat in the playground.  After, the children played a variety of games. The children really enjoyed the day.
• One of the most moving moments of the year so far took place on June 13th, when Siyabonga held their annual gathering to commemorate Youth Day — a national holiday in South Africa that honors the brave students who, in 1976, stood up against the apartheid government’s unjust education policies. The Siyabonga team was joined by parents and by teachers from neighboring preschools, and one of the guest educators offered a powerful reflection on the significance of June 16, 1976 and what it continues to mean for education and justice in South Africa today. The children rose to the occasion with pride, performing poems, songs, and dances around the theme “Children’s Rights and Responsibilities.” For eveyone who attended, watching the children express themselves so confidently — and speak to their rights in their own voices — was deeply inspiring.
• On 20 June 2025, the Mtubatuba Fire and Rescue team visited the school to conduct fire and disaster awareness to the children.

With Gratitude

Moments such as these one are only possible because of the continued support of our extended Thembanathi family. Whether you’ve donated, shared our story, or simply kept us in your thoughts, please know how much your support means.

From all of us at Siyabonga and Thembanathi, thank you for helping us nurture a generation of strong, joyful, and empowered children in rural South Africa. We’re excited for all that the rest of the year will bring, and grateful to be on this journey with you.

With heartfelt thanks,
 Helen Towle
 Project Leader, Thembanathi