Forward early childhood development, forward!
Happiness was the order of the day when Bitou Municipality handed over a cheque of R800 000 to the local Early Childhood Development (ECD) Forum, witnessed by a packed Lumen Christi hall in Kwanokuthula on June 2. Crèches from all over Bitou united to form the umbrella body that is to ensure the healthy development of the area’s pre-schoolers.
Representatives of a multitude of crèches and grateful parents heard how this generous gift from Bitou would furnish community, home-based and private centres with educational materials, indoor equipment and kitchen utensils, among others, while also helping to finance staff salaries.
Bitou mayor Lulama Mvimbi encouraged principal and parent collaboration to ensure that the crèches remain sustainable, saying “the municipality should not be the only door you knock on” and urging them to also approach the private sector.
Municipal manager Lonwabo Ngoqo reminded the Forum to be innovative when appealing for funds, and emphasised its responsibility to be accountable for the money given to them. He committed to a full R1-million to the cause during the next financial year, on the condition that the Forum handled this year’s funds with care.
Chairperson Thelma Besana promised the municipal officials in attendance that the Forum would ensure the crèches continued their good work with Bitou’s children. She reminded that pre-school centres played a huge role in preparing kids for their school careers, while laying a foundation for them to fill their place in society, thus securing a bright future for the leaders of tomorrow.
Author: Bongani Tom
Source: CXpress