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In the hope that they can encourage underprivileged children to return to school, the principals and teachers of Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centres in Humansdorp recently visited the Humansdorp regional waste site, where many children spend their days looking for food and scrap to sell.
Petronella Ruiters has been appointed by the Kouga Wind Farm Community Development Trust, in partnership with Africa A+, to facilitate seven ECD centres in Humansdorp, which include Pink Panther Daycare Centre, Duckling Daycare, Twinkle Twinkle Daycare, Rainbow Early Learning Centre, Haasbekkies Daycare Centre, Angels Daycare Centre, and Guardian Angels Aftercare Centre.
In addition to her duties towards the seven ECD centres, she also runs her own centre, Angels Daycare Centre, in Humansdorp.
Ruiters said that when dropping off her rubbish at the Humansdorp regional waste site she noticed that there were many children on site who spent their days looking for food to eat, or scrap to sell.
She further said that some parents and children stay at the waste site, while others take what they need and go home at night.
“I have seen babies and older children at the waste site, with some of them old enough to go to high school. I worry about the little ones at the waste site who are being exposed to so many bad elements,” said Ruiters.
To help combat this challenge and encourage the parents and children to return to school, on November 30, with help from the teachers and principals of the ECD centres in Humansdorp, she visited the waste site.
While at the waste site, Ruiters said that they handed out flyers explaining the importance of attending daycare and they shared some delicious treats and clothing with the children and their parents.
“We went to the waste site looking for women with children to inform them about the ECD centres in the area. We were hoping to spread the word about the importance of education,” said Ruiters.
She said that while encouraging the parents and children to return to school, they were eager to learn more, and she is hopeful that some, if not all, will be able to join a daycare, primary school, or high school, in the New Year.
Ruiters said that many parents believe that children only need to go to school once they are old enough for grade R, but she is hoping to rectify this misconception since children need quality education before they can begin with grade R.
“Children face a lot more challenges when they do not attend daycare, and instead go straight to grade R. It is therefore vital that children start attending daycare after their first birthday,” said Ruiters.
She said many children who do not attend daycare often do not have a routine at home, no emotional development, and are not prepared for primary school.
Ruiters said that many children that have completed their ECD education at her centre have done well when starting grade R, and have continued performing well academically once they begin with primary school and high school.
To continue following up with the parents and children at the waste site, she will be visiting the area soon where she will be handing out food with help from her husband, Charles.
Important points on the flyer included:
. Daycare centres offer children the opportunity to communicate with other children their age.
. Children’s brains are stimulated when participating in various activities, such as games, puzzles, and problem-solving games.
. Children learn to control their emotions and build a bond with their teachers. Daycare centres are a place of safety and a place to grow emotionally.
. Children learn routines, schedules, and structure at daycare. A good routine leads to trust and understanding about their future.
. Daycare prepares children for primary school, because they learn how to follow a routine and follow instructions, and build good relationships with their teachers and friends.
