GEORGE NEWS - Siyazama Educare Centre's founder, Mirriam Matyhila, recently celebrated her 74th birthday. She was given a surprise that left her overwhelmed with gratitude.
During the celebration, the Pienaar family of Der Lederhändler in George facilitated sponsorship from Sanulac Nutritionals, which funded a container supplied by Kazin.
The container will serve as an office and small fundraising shop for the crèche.
What began with just two children playing in a backyard has grown into a valued community institution serving families in Thembalethu. Mirriam and her husband, Nelson, started the crèche from their home in 1997. Over the years, the centre expanded, and their daughters, Ingrid Speelman and Primrose Maqabanqga, joined as educators and helped to build Siyazama into an important early childhood development centre.
Addressing the guests at the celebration, Mirriam reflected on the centre's humble beginnings and thanked those who had supported its growth. "Today my heart is full of joy. I am almost speechless," she said. "From day one, my loving husband stood by me and helped me. Without him, there would be no Siyazama."
A special birthday cake and party packs were prepared by Sanulac Nutritionals. Here are Mirriam and Nelson Matyhila. Photo: Marguerite van Ginkel
She noted that the centre had also faced challenges over the years, including incidents of vandalism, but she said the commitment of supporters ensured it continued to serve children in the community.
The children excitedly participate in the birthday celebrations. Photo: Marguerite van Ginkel
Mirriam described the new office as "the engine of our school", saying it would assist with administration and fundraising efforts. She expressed the hope that the centre would one day be able to build its own hall for meetings and graduation ceremonies.
VIDEO: Watch as we celebrate the 74th birthday of Mamma Miriam Matyhila, founder of Siyazama Educare Centre in Thembalethu.
Speaking on behalf of the Der Leder-händler family, which has supported Siyazama Educare Centre for many years, occupational therapist Debbie Pienaar said one of the most remarkable aspects of the centre was the progress the children showed with developmental and learning challenges. "What amazes me is the number of success stories they can share about children with disabilities who arrive here needing support and then show remarkable progress," she said. "These women are not necessarily formally trained in specialised therapies, yet they respond with love, care and stimulation, and the results speak for themselves."
"Thank you for believing in us. Thank you for giving light to the children of Siyazama," said Mirriam.
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