September 2019
The Department of Social Development, parents, children and community members and leaders gathered to celebrate the launch of the Thari Ya Mme Educare Centre launched this week, in Hertzogville, Free State.
This is one of Boshof Solar Power’s flagship education projects and the first of its kind for the solar farm. An entire crèche has been provided, which includes five fully equipped and furnished mobile classrooms that can easily and safely accommodate the 75 children that currently attend this facility.
“We are excited to have been able to provide a crèche that is a better, safer and healthier environment for these young children and their teachers. We have no doubt that this will help to stimulate the love of learning and their development,” said Zuki Ndlela, Economic Development Officer for Boshof Solar Power.
Additionally a palisade fence, toilets, an office, sick bay, and even equipped kitchen has been installed. The crèche also has a storeroom and most importantly outdoor play equipment and educational material to stimulate the love of learning.
The Department of Social Development had previously raised concerns regarding the infrastructure of the crèche. Inadequate structures threatened the crèche’s existence and funding from the Department for basic standards were not being met.
Mpho Mogoera, School Principal of Thari Ya Mme Educare Centre commented on the enthusiasm of the children, “It has been empowering to have this new crèche built for us and truly wonderful that our children now look forward to coming to school each day. What a pleasure it is to see the joy light up their faces each morning.”
Early Childhood Development (ECD) is a child’s crucial development phase between birth and when going to school and is a cornerstone of Boshof Solar Power’s socio-economic development programme. The solar plant recognised the value of investing in early education and the potential that this has to positively impact on the country’s children.
“ECD can fundamentally change South Africa’s prospects for education and economic growth as it is during this phase that children learn foundational cognitive abilities, attitudes, and skills in preparation for primary school and the rest of their lives, hence the funding of ECD projects is a key part of our programme as it supports our country’s National Development Plan and the resilience of our beneficiary communities,” concluded Zuki Ndlela.
NOTE: Both President Ramaphosa and Deputy President Mabuza put out a call for increased investment in ECD and quality training for educators at the basic education and foundation phase levels, reiterating the importance of ECD as a critical point for the country’s social and economic transformation and development.
