ABERDEEN NEWS — Kabouterland Creche in Lotusville provides a very valuable service to the local community, offering top-class child care and early learning experiences for over 80 children.

There are three teachers, including principal Rachel Jantjies, and two assistants, one in the kitchen, and a groundsman for general maintenance work.

Basic funding comes from the Department of Social Development, but this barely covers the operating expenses. Parents are asked to make a small contribution of R50 per month if they are working, and R30 if they are dependent on social grants. Of the ten working parents, only six pay their contribution of R50, and the situation is even worse with well under half of the SASSA parents contributing. The situation in April is dire, as the social grants were paid out during the school holidays. When the children returned to school, most of the parents had already spent all of their money, and only five of the 78 who should pay R30 did so.

The school is in desperate need of some basic maintenance, but nothing can be done without some extra funding. The water pipes leading to the toilets are broken, not all the toilets work, and there is a broken stopcock. A fresh coat of paint would do wonders to brighten up the building and classrooms, but unless donations of paint are received, this can only be a dream.

Educational materials are also in short supply, and any donations of posters, puzzles or craft materials would be greatly appreciated. The children range in age from two years to four and a half, and for many, the activities at school are the only stimulation they have.

Anyone who can help in any way, with either goods or cash, can contact the deputy chairperson of the SGB, Androline Grobbelaar, on 073 868 9154.

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