SAFE AND HAPPY ENVIRONMENT AT CRÈCHE

September 2024, Soutpan Solar Power.

A targeted and extensive three-year infrastructure development programme has transformed Serakalala Creche and Pre-School into a safe and nurturing environment for children, teachers and staff. The comprehensive support has nearly doubled the centre’s capacity, allowing it to accommodate more children from the community and employ additional staff, thereby enhancing the support system for the children. This transformation has alleviated daily stress for families, giving them peace of mind knowing their children are receiving a solid foundation in a secure and welcoming setting.

The funding and ongoing support forms part of Soutpan Solar Power’s socio-economic development programme, focused on addressing critical deficiencies, resulting in significant infrastructure improvements, for this community crèche based in Ga-Maraise Village, Bochum. In addition to the physical upgrades, skills development training for educators was provided to further enhance the quality of education, and the crèche’s governing body received specialised training to strengthen their leadership and management capacities.

Johanne Lebepe, Principal of Serakalala, highlighted the impact of the programme: “In the old building, we were suffering. During rainy seasons, the roof was leaking, and it was not safe for learning. Now, with the new building, there are no leaks, and it is safe for teaching and learning. The new toilets are much safer compared to the pit toilets, and we no longer need to stand while teaching when it rains. This is a real development for us, and the community recognises that things have changed here. The children are safe, and they can play; everything is fine.”

The three-phase project began with replacing unsafe pit toilets with modern, hygienic facilities, creating a safer environment for the children and staff. This was followed by constructing new classrooms, a waiting area, and a sick bay, reducing overcrowding and enhancing the learning experience.

The final phase added a kitchen and a hall that serves as additional classroom space, nearly doubling the centre’s capacity and allowing it to cater to 80 children compared to the previous 48 and enabled the crèche to employ two additional staff members. Furthermore, Soutpan Solar Power has assisted the ECD centre with the formulation of a fundraising strategy specifically intended to raise funds for the centre’s annual maintenance, ensuring the sustainability of the extensive infrastructure improvements.

Noluthando Mazibuko, Economic Development Specialist for Soutpan Solar Power, expressed pride in the outcomes: “The improvements at Serakalala are a clear demonstration of how targeted interventions can make a substantial difference in the community. By focusing on critical infrastructure upgrades, we have been able to enhance the learning environment, improve health and safety, and create employment opportunities. Families can now rest assured that their children are receiving education in a secure and happy setting. This project is an important part of our ongoing commitment to supporting sustainable development within the Blouberg Municipal area.”

As the project concludes, Soutpan Solar Power plans to extend its support to other ECD centres, ensuring that more children can thrive in safe and positive learning spaces.