Seven Passes Initiative opens new ECD centre

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GEORGE NEWS - The Seven Passes Initiative held the official opening of its new Sinombulelo (We are grateful) Early Childhood Development Centre on Friday 3 June.

Parents from the community, police, George Mayor Leon van Wyk, councillor Brendon Adams and many people who were involved in the preparation of the centre were present.

Seven Passes director Wilmi Dippenaar thanks everyone for the support they received that enabled them to open the centre.

"Seven Passes grows as we identify needs in the community. For a long time, the organisation wanted to open an ECD centre that specifically focuses on services to isiXhosa and Chichewa children," she says. "We also make our services available to Afrikaans children and have a waiting list of children for an ECD centre."

PHOTO GALLERY: Sinombulelo Early Childhood Development Centre opened

Sinombulelo can accommodate 36 children in three classes in the age groups three to four years with teacher Genevieve Nkewuse, four-to-five-year-olds with teacher Mila Gould, and five-to-six-year-olds with the principal, Chantal Damons.

"Chantal worked for Seven Passes as the aftercare and food manager, but finished her foundation phase education studies last year. She was the perfect candidate for principal," says Dippenaar.

Damons thanked everyone for their support in her personal journey to qualify as foundation phase teacher.

The chairperson of the board, Naizel Buys, cut the ribbon to officially open the new centre before guests viewed the facility and the children enjoyed a cupcake.

The Sinombulelo ECD Centre can accommodate 36 children.