Kroonvale celebrates despite vandalism

KROONVALE NEWS - Arriving at the Kroonvale Pre-Primary, I cannot miss the hole in the perimeter wall, closed up with thorn tree branches.

But this damage is in stark contrast to the bright, organised office and classrooms and the delicious smell of lunch wafting down the passage.

It's Valentine's Day and creative, hand-made gifts and heart-shaped hats are the order of the day for the children.

The little ones pose happily with their gifts before running out to the playground, under the watchful eye of teachers and volunteers.

It's here in the playground that the challenges, mentioned by the principal, Mildred Makoba, are evident. This school is plagued by vandalism and associated theft. The palisade fence donated ten years ago, separating the playground from the old Child Welfare offices, has been stolen. The water tank is missing. Another gaping hole in the perimeter wall is again secured with thorn tree branches.

Kroonvale Pre-Primary turned thirty-eight last Friday. Testimony to the fact that many a community member spent playful days in its care.

Pastors, doctors, teachers and many others passed through these doors as toddlers. Now, while the school has a capacity of 120 children, attendance is way below capacity. Makoba notes that vandalism has contributed to this situation.

Miah Grootboom (left), Aiden Steenkamp (middle) and Astiano Jaftha show off their personalised Valentine gifts.

But the school is addressing the problem and a local security company has been approached. Montego, the pet food company, has committed to donating a brick for each 2-litre plastic bottle collected – towards repairing the perimeter walls.

The school urges the community to donate bottles and welcomes any offers of assistance to secure the site. The staff encourages parents in Graaff-Reinet to enrol their toddlers at the preschool.

For a small monthly fee they, like hundreds of children over the past 38 years, can enjoy visits to the library, monthly visits from the local clinic, two healthy meals a day and mornings filled with fun and learning.

The end of the playground, where the now stolen palisade fence had been erected. The vandalised Child Welfare office is visible in the background. Photos: Gaby Cheminais