GEORGE NEWS - Bongolethu crèche principal Miriam Ngonyama started the crèche in Ramaphosa, Thembalethu, in 2008, as she saw a need in her community for a safe haven where children could stay while their parents are at work.
Ngonyama says that her other motivation was "to help other children in terms of having something to eat, as some households may not be able to provide food for their children at times."
She runs the crèche with help from three other ladies. Thenjiwe Ngaliphi, who looks after the 4-5-year-olds and Thimna Ndengana, who looks after the 3-4-year-olds, are teachers. Ngonyama herself takes care of the 2-3 and 5-6-year-old groups. Nonelisile Bani cooks for the children.
The crèche is subsidised by Social Development, and they use the money to buy food for the children.
The crèche needs other essentials, though. They only have one playing facility for the children and need another jungle gym. They need a stronger and safer fence to help keep the children safe and the ageing crèche building needs upgrading. There is also a shortage of toys. Ngonyana asks for help with these projects or donations that will help them to take care of the children.
The crèche is open Mondays to Fridays from 07:00 until 17:00. They are open throughout the year and only close on public holidays and from mid-December until early in the new year.
Anybody who wants to help these ladies help the children, can contact Miriam Ngonyama on 073 784 6244.
ARTICLE: LUZUKO SAMP, GEORGE HERALD EDITORIAL INTERN
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